Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) in Lagos on June 25, 2026, spotlighting technology’s role in Nigeria’s development ahead of the 2027 elections.
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
The high-level colloquium, themed “Leveraging Technology for Development in Nigeria, 2027–2031: Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda,” anchors WACC 2026 under the banner “Reworking Nigeria Progressively into the Digital Economy with Emerging Digital Tools.” Organized by Knowhow Media International, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa since 2004, the event also features the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2026 Recognition Ceremony.
Yilwatda, a technocrat, engineer, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and ex-Resident Electoral Commissioner, will outline the APC’s Technology and Digital Economy Blueprint as a pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The address targets stakeholders in ICT, telecom, fintech, infrastructure, and the private sector to align politics with digital growth—vital as the sector now drives over 18% of Nigeria’s GDP.
Strategic Platform Amid 2027 Elections
With polls looming in January 2027, the colloquium fosters non-partisan policy dialogue to boost economic modernization, job creation, digital inclusion, and youth engagement. Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa praised Yilwatda as “a scholar and seasoned technocrat” whose public service bolsters Nigeria’s digital shift.
Elite Audience Drives Action
Expected attendees include:
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CEOs of ICT/telecom firms (network operators, data centres, ISPs)
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Financial leaders (banks, fintechs, insurtechs)
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Regulatory heads and government officials
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Professional association leaders (ICT, engineering)
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Digital education CEOs, venture capitalists, startups, and academics
This group shapes Nigeria’s digital agenda, turning vision into outcomes.
Governors Invited as Key Partners
State governors receive special invitations as guests and partners, emphasizing sub-national roles in digital infrastructure and inclusion. Benefits include:
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Pitching state priorities to investors during sessions.
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Positioning states for digital infrastructure, smart governance, skills, and entrepreneurship.
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Networking with ICT/telecom leaders for PPPs.
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Media visibility via coverage, interviews, and platforms.
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Profiling in the Nigeria Digital Economy Report 2026.
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Exclusive events like the industry colloquium, awards, and leaders’ lunch.
Knowhow Media CEO Olusegun Oruame said governors’ involvement will spur jobs, infrastructure, and prosperity.
WACC’s Enduring Impact
Over two decades, WACC has linked policy with innovation. Dr. Sola Afolabi, WACC Chairman, highlighted its role in elevating political voices for Nigeria’s growth.
Knowhow Media International leads Africa’s tech intelligence via events and publications.
