2023 EPLF Fellow Balogun Danjuma Shines with Ibadan Tech Expo, A Remarkable Civic Engagement Initiative

A Civic Engagement Activity by Balogun Danjuma, 2023 EPLF Cohort Fellow

Balogun Danjuma, a 2023 Cohort EPLF Fellow, embarked on a significant Civic Engagement Activity, with the generous support of the LEAP Africa and  Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, by hosting the “Ibadan Tech Expo” on September 9, 2023. This landmark event attracted a staggering 5,997 participants, setting a new standard for tech-driven gatherings in our community.

The event’s objectives were ambitious and far-reaching:

• Showcase innovative tech solutions to enhance government service delivery and transparency.

• Explore technology’s pivotal role in improving governance processes such as e-governance and data-driven decision-making.

• Foster networking opportunities between government officials, tech entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.

• Encourage public-private partnerships to drive digital transformation in governance.

• Empower citizens to participate in governance through technology, including mobile apps and online platforms.

• Discuss strategies for increasing transparency and accountability via tech-enabled initiatives.

• Offer workshops and training sessions for government leaders on emerging technologies and digital leadership.

• Promote digital literacy among government employees.

• Highlight global case studies of technology-driven governance and leadership.

• Address policy issues related to technology regulation, cybersecurity, and data privacy.

 Key Outcomes

The event’s most noteworthy moments occurred during the dynamic dialogue sessions. Here, distinguished speakers actively engaged with young leaders and tech enthusiasts, sparking profound discussions regarding the evolution of governance and leadership in the digital era. These interactions not only encouraged but also empowered youth to play a pivotal role in shaping government initiatives through technological innovation. Notably, our EPLF Fellow, Balogun Danjuma, delivered a pivotal session during which he emphasized the imperative need for establishing concrete metrics and indicators. These measures would serve as essential tools in evaluating the profound impact of technological solutions on enhancing governance efficiency and leadership effectiveness.

Furthermore, this event served as a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas among government officials, tech entrepreneurs, and visionary thought leaders, fostering an environment conducive to driving innovation in the realm of governance.

Results

We welcomed an impressive 5,997 attendees to the Ibadan Tech Expo, including 1,958 tech enthusiasts and valued members of our Ibadan Tech Expo community. The event boasted 78 sponsors and partners, featured 72 captivating startup and business showcases, and hosted insightful sessions with 33 distinguished speakers. It was a truly remarkable gathering that made waves both locally and globally.

Our Expo’s reach extended far beyond its physical confines. The live stream of the event captured the attention of audiences worldwide, reinforcing its significance. Notably, our efforts garnered substantial media coverage from esteemed platforms such as Jamz FM, BCOS news, Beat FM, TechCabal, and Tribune, further amplifying the Expo’s influence.

Here is a link to the techcabal and tribune post event articles –

The excitement surrounding the Expo reached unprecedented heights as we trended at the number 1 spot on Twitter. This achievement underscored the Expo’s profound impact and relevance. What’s even more impressive is that the word “IBADAN” remained a trending topic for over 48 hours, shedding light on the city’s vibrant tech community and highlighting the Expo’s significant influence on online conversations. Distinguished figures like Hon Akin Alabi, Seun Onigbinde (BUDGIT), and representatives from the Oyo state government added to the event’s prestige and importance.

Lesson Learnt/ Recommendations

For an event of the magnitude of the Ibadan Tech Expo, valuable lessons and numerous recommendations invariably emerge. Here are key takeaways:

• Meticulous planning and thorough preparation are imperative. Prioritize the seamless coordination of logistics, venue arrangements, and resource management to efficiently accommodate a substantial influx of participants.

• The calibre and pertinence of presentations, panel discussions, and workshops are pivotal in ensuring attendee satisfaction. Emphasize content that delves into contemporary and emerging tech trends.

• Foster inclusivity by advocating for diversity among speakers, exhibitors, and attendees. Encourage the active involvement and empowerment of underrepresented groups in the tech industry, granting them a platform to express their perspectives and insights.

Recommendations:

• Enhance the event’s appeal by structuring it into thematic tracks or streams, catering to the diverse interests of the tech-savvy audience. This customization empowers attendees to tailor their experience to their preferences.

• Motivate exhibitors to craft interactive and captivating displays that allow attendees to immerse themselves in firsthand encounters with cutting-edge tech products and innovations.

• Elevate the event’s prestige by securing esteemed keynote speakers capable of drawing attendees and offering profound insights into the future of technology.

• Uphold data security with unwavering diligence by implementing robust cybersecurity measures. Safeguard attendee data and preserve the event’s digital infrastructure’s integrity.

• Sustain the event’s impact by organizing post-expo activities such as follow-up webinars, workshops, or networking sessions. This ensures that the connections forged and discussions initiated during the expo continue to thrive and evolve.

Next Steps

Looking forward, I am committed to advancing this journey over the next five years, and we earnestly seek sustained support from our valued sponsors and partners, particularly in the key areas that will pave the way for Ibadan Tech Expo 2.0.

We are thrilled to outline three major initiatives our Fellow, Balogun Danjuma and his team will be focusing on for Ibadan Tech Expo 2.0:

• Collaboration for Digital Skill Development: In alignment with our core mission, we are proposing a collaborative effort with the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Ms. Wasilat Adegoke. Our objective is to embark on a transformative project aimed at equipping 100,000 youths in Oyo State with essential digital skills. This initiative not only empowers our youth but also significantly contributes to the technological advancement of the state. We will be reaching out to Ms. Wasilat Adejoke and her esteemed office to ensure the successful implementation of this program, targeting indigent young people from all 33 local government areas of Oyo State by 2024.

• A Guinness World Record Ambition: To amplify our impact, we intend to seek the support of the state government in providing training to these 100,000 individuals in the field of technology. We propose that the date of Ibadan Tech Expo 2.0 coincides with their graduation day, hosting the entire 100,000 graduates at the prestigious Adamasingba Stadium. This strategic alignment has the potential to earn us a prestigious Guinness World Record for hosting the world’s most attended tech event, elevating Ibadan’s global reputation. Our ambitious goal is to welcome 120,000 attendees to Ibadan Tech Expo 2.0. Achieving this Guinness World Record will position Ibadan as Africa’s Silicon Valley, attracting investors and startups alike and garnering significant media attention for positive global publicity.

• Showcasing Local Startups: Ibadan Tech Expo 2.0 will serve as a dynamic platform for showcasing the talents of 500 startups from Oyo State. This exposure will not only foster growth and innovation within the local startup ecosystem but also attract foreign investments, strengthening our region’s economic landscape.

With the unwavering support of our partners and sponsors, we are confident that Ibadan has the potential to emerge as a shining beacon of technology, innovation, and economic prosperity.