By Cj Bukola, Anita okeoko and Ogidi Chidinma
Tech enthusiasts from across the ancient city of Benin gathered at the Festus Iyayi Hall, University of Benin, for the tech event of the year, tagged “Techpreneurship: Navigating the Business Landscape,” eager to learn from notable figures in the industry. The event began slowly, gaining momentum later in the day and ending on a high note, with participants leaving motivated to conquer the industry. It opened with a game, leading up to the welcome address by the convener, Mr Isidahomen Isiramen, who stated that the event was being hosted to address the burning questions of newcomers in the tech space and to enlighten them on personal branding and business.
Mr Jerry Odianose followed with a moving story about sickle cell patients and the hardships faced by both the patients and their loved ones. He concluded by offering encouragement to sickle cell patients, spreading awareness and words of comfort. The first speaker, Miss Kelechi, enlightened the audience on the importance of building sustainable Web 3 products. She emphasized the need to be a learner and to create products that were user-friendly and secure, as security remains a persistent issue in the space.
Another inspiring session was delivered by Miss Sarah, who advised the audience on the importance of consistency in their pursuits, stressing that progress is best achieved by focusing on oneself rather than succumbing to the pressure of comparison. The second speaker, Mr Osinachi Ogbara, spoke on “Maximising Tech to Supercharge You,” highlighting aspects of technology that help individuals grow and learn in their respective fields. He emphasized the importance of time management, noting that with the rapid changes in the tech industry, this is not a time for complacency. “You have to learn to move with the times, and even ahead of it, so it doesn’t move past you,” he said, concluding with tips to guide attendees in the right direction.
Following this was the spotlight session featuring Mr Isaiah Miracle and a talk by Mr Uzochukwu Peter on “Leveraging Tech for Business,” where he discussed the importance of information in business. A panel session with Mr Ehinome Bishop, Miss Itohan, and Mr Kenneth Wisdom addressed pressing issues in the industry. The speakers shared tips on how to tackle such challenges and reflected on their experiences thus far in their journey as tech entrepreneurs.
The event sponsors took the stage, commending the organisers for their efforts and sharing what they had learned from the speakers. They spoke at length about their work and how newcomers to the tech space could not only integrate but also distinguish themselves.
A final talk was delivered by Miss Samson Faith on “Building and Scaling Tech Ventures,” where she shared her three essential principles, known as the VIP MODEL. The model—Volunteering, Internships, and Paid Roles—was highlighted as crucial for success and a must-have for those just entering the industry.
The event concluded with closing remarks from the co-convener, Mr Wisdom, who thanked everyone for attending and shared his thoughts on the event’s theme. Participants interviewed after the event expressed that their expectations had been met. They appreciated the learning opportunities and the chance to network and connect with others in the space, with many expressing a strong determination to apply what they had learned.