Stakeholders Debate Policies for Lagos Creative Economy at AOT 5.0

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Another opportunity presented itself for stakeholders in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ecosystem to discuss how to support the government to achieve a digital Lagos.

The platform for this brainstorming was the Art of Technology Lagos (AOT) 5.0 conference, which climaxed last Friday with relevant players from the public and private sectors in attendance, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani.

The venue for this event themed Creative Economy and a Digital Lagos was the Eko Innovation Centre. Participants discussed policies and initiatives that will pave the way for shaping Lagos’s creative and tech economy landscapes.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, in his speech, said the programme “reflects our dedication to a transformative journey where the fusion of technology and artistic expression will propel us into a global innovative hub in shaping Lagos’s creative and tech economy landscapes.”

“AOT 5.0 is a gathering that serves as a melting point of visionaries, innovators and leaders who are committed to propelling Lagos into the digital future, and I commend the Eko Innovation Centre, Ministry of Science and Technology and other organisers for making this conference a reality,” he said.

He praised the organisers for bringing together pioneers, professionals, students and enthusiasts to steer the tech and creative industries in Lagos State and Nigeria to greater heights.

On his part, Mr Tijani said Lagos has the ingredients to “drive the growth that we need to see as humans as the state is home to one of the most vibrant creative sectors in the world.”

In his remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology and convener of AOT 5.0, Mr Tubosun Alake, said, “Data requires us to do more in the creative sector and with the right application of technology, we can harness the tech and creative ecosystem for growth in the State and Nigeria.”

 Digital art platforms allow artists and creatives to expand their creativity beyond traditional mediums with the use of technology.

Creative industries like film, music, fashion, design, and advertising amongst others use technology to amplify their art forms and solve problems in their various niche, thereby significantly impacting the economy; this is poised for further growth in the coming years.