Several small business enterprises and startups across various sectors of the economy on Friday, 16th August 2019, converged at NG-HUB by Facebook Lagos, to participate at the Digital Entrepreneurs and SME Conference. The Conference, an initiative of Insightlite International Company aimed at enlightening entrepreneurs and small business owners on how to balance the traditional model of business processes into digital processes.
The conference attracted various notable individuals and organizations including the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), Upperlink, Adnaira, and Proville. Notable individuals such as Mr. Oluwatoba Obaniyi, the Vice President of NIRA, who was the guest speaker and Mrs. Edith Udeagu, the Executive Secretary of NIRA, were also present at this remarkable event.
The Keynote Speaker, Mr. Oluwatoba Obaniyi, in his presentation, explained the importance of innovation and the internet, stating exclusively that a business that does not innovate dies. Mr. Oluwatoba further gave important reasons why businesses need to be online, some of which include the ease of reaching potential target customers, reduction in operational cost and the ability of the internet to target a global market. He also stated the importance of businesses owning a functional mobile responsive website and a business mail registered on the .ng domain as against only social media accounts.
Mr. Blessed Ola Saint, the visionary and founder of the Empower Africa Project, gave an in-depth analysis on what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur in Nigeria. He urged entrepreneurs to display self-confidence and possess optimism in any project they embark on. Mr. Ola Saint further stated the importance of collaboration and thanked the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) for always being responsive and available to support and drive the fulfilment of this campaign.
The conference was a success, as many entrepreneurs present expressed the motivation to take their businesses online and utilize the digital opportunities available to upscale their businesses. After an organized photo session, Miss Moyosore, the Executive Director of the Empower Africa Project, gave the vote of thanks and a few closing nuggets to the impressed audience.