Thursday 1st October 2020 was celebrated in Lagos with the launch of the Tech Experience Centre, a revolutionary technology project spearheaded by TD Africa – Sub-Saharan Africa’s foremost tech, lifestyle and solutions distributor – aimed at bridging the gap to cutting-edge technology for millions of Nigerians.
The Tech Experience Centre houses a convergence of globally renowned tech giants such as Cisco, HP, Microsoft, Dell Technologies, Zinox, Schneider Electric, Samsung, Apple and Bosch, among others, all under one roof to create an immersive experience of the latest technologies.
The official unveiling of the centre provided a unique opportunity for invited guests to witness first-hand some of the amazing devices, gadgets and cutting-edge tech solutions being exhibited by the tech giants occupying the centre.
The event, a highly successful one, attracted a number of dignitaries from both the public and private sector to the high-rise Yudala Heights on 13 Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island, venue of the high-profile commissioning.
Also present was a strong representation from Corporate Nigeria, with a number of Chief Executives from various sectors of the economy on hand to witness the unveiling of the unprecedented technology initiative.
The quality of attendance by corporate eggheads gave an immediate endorsement to the launch.
Some of those who experienced it described the Tech Experience Centre as the birth of a New Nigeria while affirming the ambience, tech-infused setup and demonstration witnessed as world-class.
One of the attendees, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Chairman, Agrited Nigeria Ltd., Ernest Ebi hailed the launch of the Tech Experience Centre as a commendable initiative, even as he congratulated the management of TD Africa and the Chairman, Zinox Group, for the successful birthing of the landmark project.
‘‘The Tech Experience Centre is a place worth visiting. The ambience and layout of the centre is amazing and the various technologies on display are exciting to see. I congratulate TD Africa and Dr Leo Stan Ekeh on the successful launch of this project.
‘‘Indeed, it is a thing of pride that such a wonderful initiative can originate from Nigerians. This is another aspect of the Tech Experience Centre that makes it all the more delightful,’’ he said.
On his part, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc., Nnamdi Okonkwo hailed the Tech Experience Centre as a very impressive concept.
‘‘I trust TD Africa and the Zinox Group to always lead the way. So, I am not surprised by the world-class Experience Centre that was unveiled. It is a very impressive concept.’’
Also expressing her thoughts on the launch of the Tech Experience Centre, Group President, YGroup Holdings Ltd., Fatumata Soukouna Coker described the innovation as an excellent statement of Nigeria’s emergence in the global tech space.
‘‘It was a privilege for me to be present to witness the launch of the Tech Experience Centre. It is a laudable project which will boost Nigeria’s profile in the global technology space. I will definitely be visiting the Tech Experience Centre after this launch. I was excited by all I saw on the day of the launch, especially some of the smart home appliances and kitchen piece displayed on the second floor.’’
In addition, another bank CEO, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was effusive in his encomiums when asked his experience about the Tech Experience Centre.
‘‘Sincerely there is nothing missing here from what you see in Silicon Valley and in other advanced climes. This Tech Experience Centre has shown that things can happen properly in Nigeria. I commend TD Africa and the Zinox Chairman, as well as other key players who visualized this project for executing it to a world-class standard,’’ he enthused.
The Tech Experience Centre was officially commissioned on Thursday, October 1, 2020, the occasion of Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary, by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who was the Special Guest of Honour.
Also present as Chief Host was the Lagos State Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
In addition to providing access to latest technologies for Nigerians and reducing the decision-making cycle for CEOs as well as Chief Information/Technology Officers in the public and private sector, the Tech Experience Centre will also play a very essential role in building capacity among Nigerian youths.
Head of the Tech Experience Centre, Chidalu Ekeh says the centre will expose many to advanced training and certifications in the area of Information Technology, with many of them subsequently expected to build apps, crafts and other solutions that will address peculiar challenges in Nigeria and solve global problems.
Among the attendees at the event was the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi; Commissioner for Science and Technology, Lagos State, Dr Hakeem Fahm; Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr Ernest Ndukwe; Founder/CEO, MainOne, Funke Opeke; Chairman, Stanbic IBTC, Peterside Atedo; MD/CEO, Airtel Nigeria, Mr Segun Ogunsanya; and MD/CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, Lamin Manjang.
Others were the Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings, U. K Eke; MD/CEO, Ecobank, Patrick Akinwuntan; Managing Director, Polaris Bank Ltd., Innocent Ike; former Chairman of Accenture, Mr Dotun Suleiman; Chairman, Officine Gullo, Alhaji Usman Mohammed; MD/CEO Stanbic IBTC Capital, Mr Funso Akere; Executive Director, Access Bank, Mr Victor Etuokwu; and MD/CEO, Providus Bank, Mr Walter Akpani.
The list also includes CEO, CWG Plc., Adewale Adeyipo; Chairman, Aso Savings and Loans Plc., Alhaji Ali Magashi; former CEO, Diamond Bank, Mr Emeka Onwuka; Founder/CEO, Britannia Oil and Gas, Mrs Catherine Iju Ifejika and her husband, Mr Emmanuel Ifejika; media entrepreneur and ace blogger, Linda Ikeji; renowned fashion couturier, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, just to mention a few.
The Tech Centre is widely expected to boost Nigeria’s relevance in the global technology race and shore up the country’s march to technology independence.
For the first time, Nigeria will play host to the latest global technologies including those not normally available in Africa, offering all classes of visitors a first-hand experience of new gadgets, solutions and infrastructure that would have previously required a visit abroad, thereby saving corporate organizations, government establishments and individuals money or scarce foreign exchange expended on these trips.
