The Information and Communication Technology and Telecommunications Conference and Exposition (ICTEL EXPO) 2016 kicked off on Tuesday, 26th of July, at the Eko Hotel and Suites.
The official opening ceremony began at about 10 AM with a welcome address delivered by the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Mrs Nike Akande. This was followed by the keynote address by the Minister of Communication, Engr. Adebayo Shittu. The minister in his address pointed out that the performance of the ICT industry has been outstanding and has bucked the trend of laboured growth or stagnation seen in many other sectors in the past few months, as evidenced by growth statistics for the first quarter of 2016.
Zysod Communications Limited, one of the exhibitors at this year’s event also unveiled its communications growth solution, the ‘David’ Pseudo-BCS. The company’s presentation noted some of the challenges faced by businesses in Nigeria and illustrated in a chart how investment in seamless connectivity could create the enabling environment for the development of industrial clusters.
The vote of thanks was given by the Chairman, Trade Promotion Board of the LCCI, Mr Sola Oyetayo, after which the event was declared open with the ceremonial Cutting of the Tape by the minister of communication.
The last part of the day’s proceedings was the Theatre Pitch, organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Young entrepreneurs presented their technology-based solutions to the dignitaries present, in the bid to gain the support needed to translate their innovative ideas into revenue generating, market revolutionising businesses. The ideas pitched include an interface linking farmers and customers, especially large food and beverage companies; an online payment solution designed to make tax payment easier; a learning software which also provides access to an online learning community; and many others.
The ICTEL Expo continues on Wednesday with the Hackathon, expected to come in two breakout sessions, beginning at 10 AM.