Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Debates Policies with Major Stakeholders on Lagos Creative Economy at AOT 5.0

The curtains drew to a close on the fifth edition of the Art of Technology Lagos (AOT) conference last Friday, culminating in two days of enriching discussions among key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. The sessions were brimming with insights, delving into policies and initiatives that are poised to shape the creative and tech economy landscapes of Lagos.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, who graciously hosted the event, commended the Eko Innovation Center—the conference curators—for assembling pioneers, professionals, students, and enthusiasts. He acknowledged the collective effort to guide the tech and creative industries in Lagos and Nigeria towards unprecedented heights.

Under the theme “Creative Economy and a Digital Lagos,” this year’s gathering underscores a commitment to a transformative journey where the fusion of technology and artistic expression propels Lagos into a global innovative hub. Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his gratitude, stating, “AOT 5.0 is a melting point of visionaries, innovators, and leaders dedicated to propelling Lagos into the digital future.”

Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, remarked on the abundant potential in Lagos, citing the ingredients for applying science, creativity, and technology to drive human growth. He challenged participants to view the conference as a call to action, an opportunity to collaborate in leveraging innovation, creativity, and technology for the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

Tubosun Alake, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, and convener of the Art of Technology annual conference, emphasized the role of data in the creative sector. He highlighted the transformative impact technology can have when applied correctly, envisioning growth in both the State and Nigeria.

In a notable addition to the event, Zedi Studio played a crucial role as the media partner. Dike Meremoth, CEO of Zedi Studios, took center stage as a moderator for one of the breakout sessions, contributing valuable insights to the discourse and lending his expertise and fostering meaningful dialogue among diverse industry voices.

Digital art platforms continue to empower artists, allowing them to transcend traditional mediums through technology. Film, music, fashion, design, and advertising, among other creative industries, harness technology to amplify their art forms and address challenges within their niches, contributing significantly to the economy—a trend expected to see further growth in the years ahead.

Highlights from the 2-day AOT 5.0 conference included explorations of synergies between creativity and technology, a deal room where creative tech entrepreneurs pitched solutions to judges and investors, and collaborative networking sessions. Industry stakeholders and experts shared strategies for steering the creative economy of the state to greater heights, while creatives were empowered with tools to navigate the evolving landscape.

The Art of Technology Lagos (AOT) is an annual tech conference curated by the Eko Innovation Centre and sponsored by the Lagos State Government—the economic and technology epicenter of Nigeria. With the fifth edition, the Eko Innovation Center reaffirms its commitment to addressing pressing development and institutional challenges through technology and innovation. The journey towards a digital Lagos has begun, and the echoes of AOT 5.0 will resonate far into the future, a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of technology and creativity.