Truth remains that, there is no way technology can thrive successfully without the support of policy makers and the government. We are very glad that the Nigerian tech ecosystem is beginning to pull attention from those in leadership position, and this is as a result of the strives and successes recorded.
The vice president of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo , did a tour of technology startups in Lagos yesterday, 17th April. The vice president and his team (Minister of Science & Tech, DG NITDA & some relevant Lagos State officials) visited various startup offices which includes technology startup Andela, AgriTech company, Farmcrowdy, Paystack, Flutterwave, Workstation, Carido, ccHub and Venia hub.
VP Osinbajo in Lagos today visiting technology hubs. It's about spurring innovation & boosting the technology drive. After all our country has all the talents. Let us take this thing to the next level. We can do it. #VPtouroftech
— Laolu Akande (@akandeoj) April 17, 2018
The visit of the vice president revolved around “spurring innovation & boosting the technology drive.” Our country, no doubt, is in possession of a whole ocean of talents. These just need the right condition and environment to thrive more than it currently does. The visit might help take things to the next level.
At Paystack, which services about 10,000 firms, Vice President Yemi said, we “are extremely proud of what people like you are doing & we want govt to do more.” Shola Akinlade, co-founder and CEO of Paystack briefed the visiting team on what they do, and told their story, after which other fun activities were indulged in.
The VP, @ProfOsinbajo shooting his shot at the Paystack HQ.#ShootYourShot#VPTourOfTech pic.twitter.com/ukar4eeaRr
— Paystack (@paystack) April 17, 2018
Iyin Aboyeji who founded and leads Flutterwave welcomed the vice president to his firm. The firm which has raised over $20 million impressed the visitors with what they do. The VP had this to say about them, “I am fascinated by what you are doing. The best companies in the world started like this, may be even not as well. There are exciting days yet ahead. Stay focused regardless of the challenges. Looking to hearing more about you in years to come.”
Flutterwave and Paystack can be said to be the two fastest growing payments companies in Nigeria. While Paystack makes receiving payments very easy and focuses on SMEs, with flutterwave, individuals can receive money from a growing number of countries in Africa, and the world. In their own words, “Africa is not a country, but we make it feel like one.”
AgriTech startup, Farmcrowdy was not left out of this tour, as Onyeka Akumah received the Vice president and his delegation at their new office. The height of it came when the VP became a maize farm sponsor via the tech platform. This show of support from him is pertinent for the growth of tech platforms like Farmcrowdy, and further validates how important going back to Agriculture is as a country, and the role technology is playing.
The Vice-President of Nigeria, @ProfOsinbajo along with the Minister of Science & Technology Dr. Ogbonnaya & DG @nitdanigeria visited @farmcrowdy HQ today to meet the team. We're honored by the huge recognition of our work & the impact sir. Thanks @iaboyeji #VPtouroftech pic.twitter.com/dFbJGZdioG
— Onyeka Akumah (@onyekaakumah) April 17, 2018
Farmcrowdy has raised over N700M for farmers they raise funds for. This innovative company is just over a year old & has 5000 farmers enlisted. Target is 50,000 farmers in 5 years. “This is incredible, say the VP.
Truthfully, the technology sector cannot be ignored in Nigeria if we want to make some things and processes easier and better than they used to. There are a mighty host of tech companies in Lagos and other Nigerian states doing great things. We are glad that the attention of the government is drawn to this.
Other companies he visited includes:
Andela
ccHub
VP now in Yaba @ the Co-Creation hub, where innovations ve are experimented to address Nigerian issues including Safe Online which teaches how to protect individuals' online experiences & Life Bank, a medical distribution firm that responds speedily to emergencies. #VPtouroftech
— Laolu Akande (@akandeoj) April 17, 2018
Venia Hub
Workstation
Carido
And the VP @ProfOsinbajo visited us and was quite excited about the idea of redefining automobile ownership experience #vptouroftech #Carido pic.twitter.com/QRN50CvQV1
— Your instant Mechanic (@Caridoofficial) April 17, 2018
