Stakeholders from across the digital landscape in Nigeria came together to discuss the Nigeria Internet Registration Association’s (NiRA) role in fostering innovation and establishing a unique digital identity for Nigerians.
At the two-day event celebrating the power of the .ng domain, industry leaders like Mohammed Rudman, CEO of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), emphasized the importance of NiRA as the top-level domain name manager in a thriving digital ecosystem.
“The importance of having NiRA cannot be overemphasized as it has given Nigerians a unique identity at both the corporate and individual level,” he said.
For Day 1,the Fireside Chat
Also, Peter Oluka, the editor of Techeconomy and a .ng Ambassador, emphasized that the .ng domain is more than just an address.
He stressed its role as a national asset and a badge of Nigerian identity.
“The SEO advantages of .ng domains and the fact that even Google, a global tech giant, has its own .ng domain emphasized the affordability and simplicity of registering a .ng domain compared to generic alternatives,” he said.
A panel discussion titled “How Webmasters and Web Developers Can Tap into the Opportunity to Drive Growth in the Nigeria Digital Ecosystem on the .ng Domain” explored the benefits and challenges associated with .ng domains.
Panelists like Omotola Olaseni, COO of GO54 (formerly Whogohost), BusayoBalogun, and Ebenezer Dare, CEO of HOSTLAG Limited, agreed on the affordability and security advantages of .ng domains. They also acknowledged the need for increased awareness and education about .ng domains, particularly within educational institutions.
Another panel session, “Emerging Trends in the Creative Space and the Future of Digital Content,” focused on the evolving role of content creators and the importance of authentic storytelling.
Panelists like Tolu Onile-Ere, MD/CEO Playhouse, Tomi Ogunlesi, Marketing & Communications Expert, and Tinuade Oguntuyi; Head Technical ICSL discussed the rise of emerging technologies such as; AI and the need for creators to adapt and personalize content in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
The event also featured masterclasses on building innovative solutions and growth strategies for creators.
Experts like Habeeb Wahab, Head of Technical Services at NiRA, and Moyo Sodipo, COO of Busha, offered insights on technologies shaping the digital age, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain.
Ugo Ezeagwula, Brand/Digital Strategist, Olalekan Akinleye (LEXAIN) and Blessing Achu, MD of 360 Creative Innovation Hub, emphasized the importance of authenticity and cultural relevance in storytelling.
NiRA Vice President, Murtala Abdullahi expressed his gratitude to all participants, organizers, partners, and sponsors who contributed to its success.
For Day 2 the Honourable Commissioner of Innovation, Science and Technology Lagos State headlined the session as the speaker for the fireside chat.
The Commissioner acknowledged that technology has gone through transformations and that aspect of the tech underpins everything – Transportation, Healthcare, Education, and Commerce. For instance, he said the State government has put the Automated Number Plate Recognition Camera (ANPRC) to use in Lagos, and in the next few weeks, the Red Light cameras will be included. The commissioner spoke on the Handshake between the private and public sectors; Mr. Alake revealed that the economy of Lagos is more than 81% private sector led, therefore the government cannot do anything without the Private Sector.
The panel session for Day 2 focused on Monetizing Content and Building a Personal Brand and had panellists like Chisom Nwokwu, Douglas Kendyson;CEO Selar and Charles Dairo; CEO Beezop. The panelists agreed that developing a unique selling proposition (USP) will be a good way to build your brand. However, after it has been created and put out, you shouldn’t overthink it. You need to be unique, but you shouldn’t overthink it because it can come in any form – the way you talk, act or write.
The goodwill message for Day 2 was given by Princess Olanide Odeneye – Representing the President, the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) Mr. Ade Shoyinka.
Princess Odeneye praised Tech Convergence 1.0 as a beacon of progress, bringing together diverse stakeholders to explore ways in which we can translate the benefit of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies into opportunities to create innovative solutions and drive economic growth.
Other messages from the event came from the President of Nigeria Internet Group; Destiny Amana. He enthused that all stakeholders should be able to work together to ensure that the dream of the ecosystem is achieved. He spoke of partnership as being pivotal in the growth and in harnessing new and evolving technologies.
The event served as a powerful testament to NiRA’s commitment to empowering Nigerians with a unique digital identity through the .ng domain.
By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, NiRA is paving the way for a more innovative and inclusive digital future for Nigeria.
