The TechPoint inspired event held two days ago (29th May), at the Pistis Conference Center. The theme for this year’s conference which hosted numerous people from different walks of life including tech enthusiasts, developers, writers, web designers and more – was “The Future is now”. And gave the obvious hint that robots and technology are coming for our jobs.
We're ready. Just lookout for this #techpointinspired pic.twitter.com/vm1G7P6wHS
— Adewale Yusuf (@AdewaleYusuf_) May 29, 2018
SMART WORK: THE FUTURE OF WORK IN NIGERIA.
The best thing about freelance and where work is tilted, in Prosper Otemuyiwa’s opinion, is that you can work from your room in Agege and deliver. Speaking on being the best developer, Prosper who was one of the panelists, and a freelance developer hammers on communication as the key to delivering on projects. In Nigeria, we talk a lot but don’t communicate well. Prosper also says that online visibility is a part of what improves chances of getting foreign gigs. Contributing on online platforms, being active on various social media is great too.
Proville.net, an online marketplace for professionals to work freelance, launched at the event. The platform encourages professionals to register while also announcing its “PROhub” which is dubbed to be the first FREE innovation hub in Nigeria with a branch in Lagos.
CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.
On “creating a sustainable future”, most people are only concerned about creating technology or disrupting processes for only the present, without thinking of the next 10 or 20 years said Rolayo Akhigbe of FCMB. She also noted that programming had started since the 1800s, while telling the audience that technology is not just a disruptor, but has been building on things in existence before now. In her words, “it’s one thing to have a disruptive idea, it’s another thing to run a successful business.”
THE CONSUMER, THE BANK AND FINTECH.
Tosin Eniolorunda of TeamApt, Adebanjo Omokehinde, director Mastercard, Adedeji Olowe of Open Banking, Julius Wanyaga, Head – Digital Banking FCMB and Deji Oguntonande, Head – Fintech GTB were all on this panel titled “The Consumer, the Bank and FINTech.” Where Julius stresses the disconnect between digital consumers and digital natives. He believes the banks are not YET meeting the expectations of the digital natives.
"The Consumer, The Bank and Fintech" is the subject of discussion for the new panel.
Julius Wanyaga, Head Digital Banking transformation FCMB is one of the panelists.#FCMB #Techpointinspired #MyBankAndI pic.twitter.com/ZTbv6vZRN8
— FCMB (@MyFCMB) May 29, 2018
Furthermore, Tosin sees that FinTech is sure a threat to banks as they are faster and cheaper, but also, sees a future collaboration between these banks and FinTech companies. Because the “banks are not stupid.”
DRIVING STEM THROUGH INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES
MathsAfrique founder, Ngozi has an aim of building math geniuses around the world. Ngozi teaches maths in Ibo languages to children and testifies that in most cases, it is better. A scenario where people taught in local languages did better than another group taught in English language was told by her. She believes STEM could be improved if local languages are infused. So far, Maths Afrique has impacted over 1500 in 8 community schools in Southern Nigeria.
THE FUTURE OF CRYPTOCURRENCY AND BLOCKCHAIN IN NIGERIA.
Next up was a panel on the ” future of cryptocurrency and blockchain in Nigeria.” Emeka Okoye, a semanthic web architect spoke on this. He makes an assertion that cryptocurrency will not displace the Nigerian narrative but has a whole lot of roles to play in the payment sector.
THINKING DIFFERENTLY: IDEAS CREATE THE FUTURE
Giving his own quota, Richard Ikiebe, a PhD holder of a school of media and technology spoke about the power of ideas. He asserts that effective ideas are the products of rigorous, deliberate, original, imaginative thinking. “A lot of people are not thinking, and not making progress.” All Richard wants is for us to think better and not confine ourselves to “old” knowledge, rather imagination.
FIRESIDE CHAT
Chidi Ajaere who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of GIG Group spoke on how he inherited the company and grew it to become what it is today. He inherited GIG Motors with its over 90 buses at the time, and has grown to over 700 buses presently. Asides transport, Chidi also spoke on how he turned the logistics of GIG into a proper business. GIG Group have so far, made proper use of technology to maximize and simplify road transportation in Nigeria.
.@Techpointdotng GiGM discussing about how technology has impacted their business. #TechpointInspired pic.twitter.com/ru55gzmUXC
— Mr. Fals (@laykayfals) May 29, 2018
HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS CHANGING CONSUMER BEHAVIOUS
On the much talked about technology, a talk on how artificial intelligence is changing consumer behaviour was given by Avadhoot Revankar, Chief Marketing Technologist, Netcore. He gave 5 ways Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing marketing. In fact, A.I could have won the Champions League for Liverpool, or made Luis Enrique know that Neymar was going to leave in 6 months.
Next @Advadhoot1 of @NetcoreSolution speaks about how AI is revolutionising consumer behavior and marketing. #TechpointInspired #TheFutureIsNow pic.twitter.com/Htw0fGZk9D
— Techpoint Africa (@Techpointdotng) May 29, 2018
POLICY FRAMEWORKS TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE LOCAL TECHNOLOGY
The last panel session was focused on “Policy frameworks towards sustainable local technology”. Having the likes of Emeka Okoye on it, the session explores what the government should do to improve and sustain local technology. It emphasizes that you can not build local technology without education. Hammering on our need for research.
Up next is a panel session themed "Policy Frameworks Towards Sustainable Local Technology: What should the Government be doing? with @gbengasesan @seunonigbinde @EmekaOkoye and @mclanre
Moderator: @MuyoSan pic.twitter.com/Ces0hKoCad
— Techpoint Africa (@Techpointdotng) May 29, 2018
All in all, the TechPoint inspired event was one NOT to miss. Sponsors of the event include FCMB, Lagos innovates, netcore, Nokia, MainOne, The elevation church and more.
