Obafemi Banigbe, the Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, has emphasized the critical role of Technology, Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Creative sectors in driving Nigeria’s non-oil export growth.

Speaking at the 2024 BNI National Business Conference held recently in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Banigbe stressed the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy through these key sectors.

He said,“Nigeria’s overdependence on oil has made the country highly vulnerable to global economic shocks and recession. It is crucial that we diversify our economy to mitigate these risks. By doing so, we can tap into global opportunities and reduce our susceptibility to economic downturns.

“The impact of the Naira’s depreciation is a stark reminder of the need for diversification. The Naira has lost significant value compared to its worth just a few years ago, affecting everyone. Diversification is no longer just a strategic option; it is essential for creating jobs, generating foreign exchange, and strengthening our economy’s resilience”.

Banigbe explained that “Nigeria is home to one of the world’s most vibrant technology ecosystems, and its tech industry is growing at an incredible pace, making it the fastest-growing sector in the country. With a dynamic young population and an increasing demand for digital solutions, Nigeria’s tech ecosystem has immense potential to drive non-oil growth and become the nation’s biggest export.

“The country’s tech ecosystem is characterized by a large consumer market of over 200 million people, with more than 500 active and viable startups, and a rapidly growing tech industry. Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Kano, and Aba are key startup cities, with Lagos being the most valuable startup ecosystem in Africa, valued at $2 billion”.

He further stated that Agriculture has the potential to drive growth and provide livelihoods for millions of Nigerians. The sector accounts for up to 35% of total employment in Nigeria and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. With the right investment and support, agriculture can become a key driver of Nigeria’s economic diversification.

Other non-oil opportunities which can be explored include the Fintech companies which have changed the payment system in Nigeria and globally, electronic commerce which has so far created more SMEs than we have seen in the last decade and Education technology which became more popular with the advent of COVID-19. “9mobile is seeking to explore some of these opportunities to position itself as the enabler of the creative and innovative economy”, Banigbe added.

Beyond oil, Nigeria has a plethora of untapped opportunities waiting to be harnessed. Key areas of focus include Fintech which is revolutionizing payment systems locally and globally, with companies like Flutterwave, Paystack, and PiggyVest leading the charge; E-commerce currently fueling the growth of SMEs, with platforms like Jumia, Konga, and Opay creating new avenues for entrepreneurship; Education Technology which is transforming learning experiences, especially since COVID-19, with innovative solutions from companies like uLesson, Roducate, and Tuteria.

“We at 9mobile are committed to exploring these opportunities, positioning ourselves as a catalyst for Nigeria’s creative and innovative economy,” Banigbe concluded.

The 2024 BNI National Business Conference with the theme featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, such as Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside other notable figures including Dr. Adebola Olubanjo FCA, and Chief Kola Akosike of Oduacimma represented by Chief Abiodun Lasile.

Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy (FMACCE), in collaboration with Google, has launched an initiative to empower 2,500 young creatives to scale this number 10,000 across Nigeria through a dedicated training program delivered by the Del York Creative Academy.

This collaboration is a significant step in advancing the FMACCE’s Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP), which aims to drive skills development, innovation, and foster public-private partnerships in Nigeria’s creative sector.

CLAP, an initiative by the FMACCE, is being executed through the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

The NCAC as the primary implementing agency, is leveraging its extensive network and expertise in the cultural sector to ensure that CLAP meets its objectives of equipping aspiring creatives with vital skills and fostering sustainable growth within Nigeria’s creative industry.

By leveraging the expertise of Google and the training capabilities of Del York Creative Academy, this program will provide participants with hands-on learning experiences in areas such as Music, Film, Animation, Content Creation, Live Production, and Audio.

The program is aligned with the core objectives of CLAP, which include creating employment opportunities, diversifying the economy, and deepening Nigeria’s cultural export potential.

Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa-Musawa of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s creative talent. By empowering our youth with the skills they need to excel in the creative industries, we are not only creating jobs but also positioning Nigeria as a global leader in cultural exports.

In line with the president’s Renewed Hope agenda, this program will empower our youth to become even more active contributors to the economy, driving innovation and economic growth.”

The six-week training program will cover foundational skills in visual storytelling and creative video content production.

Participants will explore essential aspects such as storyboarding, shooting, editing, motion graphics, and the integration of AI in the creative process.

Additionally, a select group will participate in a three-week intensive in-person training and mentorship program, culminating in the creation of a high-quality visual content project.

Olumide Falegan, Manager, EMEA Music & Culture at Google SSA, shared his excitement: “This initiative is about recognizing and equipping the unsung heroes of our creative industries. By empowering these 2,500 professionals, and eventually 10,000 across Nigeria, we are investing in the future of Africa’s cultural influence and economic prosperity.”

Linus Idahosa, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Del-York Group, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “Our partnership with Google is designed and carefully curated to bridge the gap between creative practitioners and corporate stakeholders, By equipping young talents with industry-relevant skills, we are fostering a new generation of creative entrepreneurs and enhancing the capabilities of the corporate sector to leverage creative expertise for business growth”

Interested applicants can register for the training here: https://portal.delyorkcreative.academy/behind-the-camera/register. Applications open on October 8th and close on October 30th .

This program is an opportunity for aspiring creatives in Nigeria to gain training and mentorship, paving the way for exciting career paths in the burgeoning creative sector. By equipping individuals with in-demand skills, the program aims to foster a new wave of talent that will drive innovation, create compelling content, and contribute to the continued growth of Nigeria’s creative economy.

Google’s commitment to supporting the creative ecosystem in Africa includes initiatives like the Black Voices Fund and Made for You, which have already empowered countless creators across the continent.

This collaboration with FMACCE and Del York Creative Academy builds upon this foundation, reaffirming Google’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and sustainable creative landscape in Nigeria.

Airtel, a telecommunications provider, is celebrating Customer Service Week with a renewed commitment to delivering exceptional customer experience. The weeklong annual celebration highlights Airtel’s dedication to recognizing and appreciating its customers, who are at the heart of the company’s operations.

Speaking at the launch of Customer Service Week, during a groupwide Employee Townhall, Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing superior experience and enhancing the customer journey across all touchpoints.

“At Airtel, our customers are at the heart of everything we do; they are the reason we exist. Our commitment to delivering excellence in customer experience is unwavering, and we continue to invest in innovative solutions and dedicated teams to meet and exceed customer expectations,” said Mr. Taldar.

During the Week, all employees across the functions are encouraged to go out in the field to engage with our customers to understand their expectations and engage with the customer-facing teams to know how best to support them to serve the customers.

Key Initiatives for Customer Service Excellence:

1. Enhanced Digital Platforms: Airtel continues to upgrade its digital platforms, making it easier for customers to access services, resolve issues, and provide feedback.
2. 24/7 Customer Support: The company has strengthened its customer service team, providing round-the-clock support through multiple channels, including phone, chat, and social media.
3. Personalized Customer Engagement: Airtel is leveraging data and analytics to offer personalized solutions, ensuring each customer’s needs are met promptly and effectively.
4. Customer Feedback Integration: The company actively listens to customer feedback and incorporates suggestions into service improvements, reinforcing its customer-first approach.

“Our goal is to be the most customer-centric telecommunications company, where every interaction leaves our customers delighted and valued. This Customer Service Week is not just about celebrating our customers but also about recommitting ourselves to the highest standards of service excellence,” the CEO added.

As Airtel continues to drive innovation and expand its offerings, the company remains focused on building lasting relationships with its over 160m customers in its 14 markets in Africa, ensuring they remain at the core of its strategic decisions.