“The way young Nigerians and Africans are already using these [social media] tools is incredible, and Social Media Week Lagos will further drive collaboration,†said Asika. “For too long our people have stayed in their silos and not shared knowledge; we believe this is key and now look forward to pushing out even more information from Nigeria in a sophisticated and aligned way.â€
To date, more than 6,000 people have registered for SMW Lagos. The event currently has more mentions across social media than all the other SMW13 cities combined, according to the advisory board.
The SMW Lagos advisory board has helped herald in this innovative move. The board includes tech moguls such as Briant Biggs, head of global and mobile strategies for Roc Nation, Chika Nwobi, founder of mobile and Internet company L5Lab, and Uche Pedro, managing director and founder of BellaNaija.com, one of Africa’s leading lifestyle, entertainment and fashion blogs.
“Social Media Week Lagos is a powerful tool to showcase to the world brand Africa and its most populous country, Nigeria,†said Marcus Glover, co-founder of Glu Agency and SMW Lagos advisory board member. “It allows for the world to see that Africa is not only a part of the conversation but leading it.”
While there will be tons of thought-provoking panels taking place, there will also be time for fun–and prominent Nigerians like former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, popular Nigerian music producer Don Jazzy and leading Nigerian artist 2face are all expected to attend various VIP events.
Asika is confident this is just the beginning and sees SMW Lagos as a mainstay in Africa.
“My intention is always to drive innovation, Social Media Week Lagos has come to stay, said Asika. “Nigerians are viral by nature and these tools simply help to drive the conversation. It’s about time people realized this is no longer the Dark Continent; this is where a lot of the stories of this century will be made and told.”
For more information on Social Media Week Lagos, visit www.socialmediaweek.org/Lagos or follow @SMWLagos.