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The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has concluded plans to organize the first Southwest regional e-commerce summit and Expo in Ibadan.
The expo, being organised in partnership with Bank of Industry (BOI) and Nustream Conference and Culture Centre is scheduled to hold from March 26-28, at the Nustream Conference and Culture Centre, Ibadan. The theme is “The Future Started Yesterday and We’re Already Late”.
According to the organisers, the event would present opportunities to channel the energies of young entrepreneurs into the new world of e-business to business and business to consumer relationships.
Addressing a joint press conference to herald the summit, Acting Director General, Dawn Commission, Seye Oyeleye, while noting that the internet connectivity and powerful online tools has resulted in a new commerce arena called e-commerce, stressed that “e-commerce offered many advantages to companies and customers.”
The press conference was attended by a representative of Bank of Industry (BOI), Pacquedis Irabor, Nustream Conference and Culture Centre and IBridge Hub Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Francis Madojenu and e-entrepreneurial consultant, Ladi Thompson.
Oyeleye said. “It’s a growing industry with many opportunities, challenges and infrastructure needs. But it offers a glimpse into the future. The southwest region is very aware of the dynamics of the changing world of commerce and we have decided to partner with this lofty endeavour. To further understand the financial requirements and opportunities available for e-entrepreneurs and those who may wish to locate themselves on specific areas of the value chain, the conference will be an opportunity to further broaden their scope and deepen their understanding.
“The event is focused on connecting people with human and technology resources as well as relevant products and services that are essential for individuals, organisations and institutions to help empower them for sustainable progression and prolific development of the society.”
While identifying ease of transaction, widening markets and decreased overheads as some factors that make e-commerce solutions more and more attractive, Madojenu, Nustream boss, lamented that the benefits are yet to be experienced fully in the Southwest region.
“We hope to reverse this trend by bringing the Southwest brick and mortar businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups and individuals together and expose them to the e-commerce industry pioneers and leaders. We believe this summit and expo is excellent for mobilizing the collective strengths, assets and capabilities lying within the states of southwest Nigeria, towards achieving sustainable socio-economic growth and development that would result in the high standard of living improved wellbeing for the people of the region. With this intensive three days summit, we expect to begin parity with Lagos e-commerce activities within the next five years”, Madojenu said.
The BOI representative, Irabor, noted that the bank is partnering to support the expo to let the young e-entrepreneurs and business owners know how the bank supports small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). He said one thing that many SMEs lacked is the market and which often threatens their business survival. He however expressed optimism that the e-commerce summit will go a long way in providing the needed visibility for young entrepreneurs and SMEs.