By Martin Ekpeke
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has declared Lagos the innovation nerve centre of Africa at GITEX NIGERIA, asserting the state’s readiness to lead the region’s digital transformation.
He said GiTEX Nigeria’s arrival in Lagos marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, describing the city as a launchpad for Africa’s future, highlighting its crucial role in driving Nigeria’s quest for a data-driven government and a digitally empowered population.
Following a high-level Government Leadership & AI Summit in Abuja, Lagos is hosting a 2-day West Africa’s largest tech, AI, and startup show.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the state’s commitment to harnessing technology for societal betterment. “Lagos is not just a city for today. It is Africa’s innovation nerve centre and a launchpad for Africa’s tomorrow,” he said
He underscored the importance of a digital, inclusive, and data-driven approach to 21st-century governance. By embracing this philosophy, Lagos aims to create a future where policy decisions are guided by real-time insights, and every citizen is empowered by inclusive connectivity. The Governor’s vision aligns with the sentiment that the best way to predict the future is to create it, a future he believes Lagos is actively building.
The GiTEX Nigeria event, held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Endorsed by the Lagos State Government and organized by KAOUN International, the event features two concurrent showcases: the GITEX NIGERIA Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre and the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival at the Landmark Centre.
These platforms are designed to accelerate the digitalization of non-tech sectors and spotlight Nigeria’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, fostering investor confidence and promoting public-private partnerships.