NIGERIA INNOVATION EXPERIENCE TALKS (NIX TALKS) 2022.
By Aminat Sheu
The long awaited Nigeria Innovation Summit (NIS) kicked off its annual event with the Nigeria innovation experience talk on Tuesday, 4th of October, 2022 at space NXT, Union Bank Headquarters, Marina Lagos. This year’s event is bigger than ever as it’s a 5-day event!
The Nix Talks brought innovators from different parts of Nigeria to share their respective innovation journeys and how they have been able to build successful careers out of their unique experiences.
Amongst the speakers was the 27-year old Uzor Ugoala, who dropped out of medical school to pursue innovation in art and photography. He is a self-taught conceptual photographer who creates visually stimulating images that explore the human experiences, navigating the path of self-discovery and understanding the purpose of human existence.
One of the amazing minds present at the event was Abinoro Akporode Collins. He is a sculptor who uses cutleries for his innovative art. He was inspired by his father’s belief that artists are less successful in life. With such daunting thoughts on his mind, he got driven to make his art count and use it as a universal language of communication, documentation, education and peace.
Remi Dada, CEO Spacefinish was also one of the distinguished speakers at the event. He was once the product marketing lead at Google and Youtube. His company, Spacefinish which was established after he left google, is a design company which specialises in office interior architecture. The company worked on the Vibranium Valley Project, commissioned by Ventures Garden Group. The project, which was inaugurated by the Vice-President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbanjo has been described as the largest tech hub in sub-Saharan Africa.
He shared insightful tips on how to build a successful business — ranging from principles needed to build a successful business to exit strategy for businesses.
One of his quotes that got stuck with me is;
WHEN TECHNOLOGY MEETS INTERNET THE END PRODUCT EQUALS TO SCALABILITY.
The CEO and co-founder of Emergency Response Africa (ERA), Folake Owodunni also shared her experiences, highlighting the differences in medical emergency response in the United States compared to Nigeria. Her observations prompted her to start ERA.
ERA is a healthcare technology company that is changing how medical emergencies are managed in Africa.
It was indeed a wonderful initiative, bringing together excellent Nigerian innovators to share unique experiences and shared values. Listening to these great individuals tell their stories is an experience I will cherish for a long time.
