Top Industry Leaders to Discuss Nigeria's Future at DTN@100 Event

The Managing Director of Google Africa, Alex Okosi, and Microsoft’s Chief Growth and AI Officer for the Middle East and Africa, Olatomiwa Williams, are among five key industry leaders set to speak at the National Conversation during the Times Heroes Award. This is part of the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Centenary Celebration.

Other speakers include technology entrepreneur and Founding Partner of Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; media entrepreneur and storyteller, Chude Jideonwo; and Founder and Creative Director of Africa Soft Power Group, Nkiru Balonwu.

The National Conversation, themed ‘Shaping the Future’, will take place on Tuesday at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event will be streamed live on ARISE TV around 5 p.m., and tickets can be bought through MyLagosApp.

The discussion aims to gather insights from the technology, media, business, and creative sectors.

Topics will focus on Nigeria’s future, including innovation, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, youth development, and nation-building.

Mr Okosi has over 20 years of experience in media, entertainment, and technology. He has held senior roles at Viacom International Media Networks and YouTube, where he worked to create opportunities for African creators. At Google, he leads efforts on digital access, innovation, and business growth across Africa.

Ms Williams is also a seasoned technology executive with more than 20 years in information technology and business leadership. She was previously the Country General Manager for Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana before taking her current role, which focuses on growth and AI initiatives in Microsoft’s Middle East and Africa markets. She also founded the Uzemi Technology Empowerment Initiative, promoting women’s leadership in tech.

Mr Aboyeji is well-known for co-founding Andela and Flutterwave, two tech companies in Africa that have drawn significant international investment. Through Future Africa, he supports and invests in African entrepreneurs who are solving challenges across the continent.

Mr Jideonwo is a lawyer, journalist, filmmaker, and media entrepreneur. He co-founded RED | For Africa, which created YNaija and The Future Awards Africa. He also runs the interview platform #WithChude, where he discusses personal stories, resilience, and change with public figures.

Ms Balonwu has over 25 years of experience in government, finance, technology, law, telecommunications, and creative industries. She founded Africa Soft Power Group, which aims to boost Africa’s influence in global discussions on business, culture, investment, and development.

Her work began in 2017 with the establishment of African Women on Board, focusing on leadership and women’s involvement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she expanded this initiative through the Africa Soft Power Project, connecting policymakers, business leaders, and creatives.

This project has grown into an annual international event, with the past editions held in Kigali, Rwanda, before moving to Nairobi, Kenya, in 2025. The 2026 edition will mark its seventh year.

The National Conversation is seen as a key part of the DTN@100 Times Heroes Award, organized by Folio Communications.

It aims to provide a space for discussing the opportunities and challenges that will shape Nigeria’s growth over the next century.

The Times Heroes Award is one of the events celebrating 100 years of Daily Times Nigeria, the oldest surviving newspaper in Africa, and its contributions to journalism and national progress.