To bring about change in any environment, few people have to come together, share common idea and chart a course on the way forward. Such was the recently concluded Barcamp Nigeria, first of its kind in the country. As we reported recently about the event and the coverage in the last edition of our magazine “Web Trends Nigeria” it eventually lived up to its anticipated expectation!

Attended by technopreneurs, developers and enthusiast in the Nigeria Web space, it was indeed a day to remember. In a serene environment at Tom Associate Anthony Lagos. The keynote speakers; Justin Hartman (One of the top Web people in Africa) and Victoria N’dee Uwadoka (The eloquent communicator). Justin shared with us His success story about Afrigator, the challenges and opportunities at hand. Took us through how Afrigator got stated to the level of profitability. He sure laid the foundation for budding technopreneurs at the event that , the web is really where to be at this time. He also used the opportunity to unveil His newly launched website Gatorpeeps.com which its meant to be a networking platform for its users. He surely wants to get Africans connected!

Victoria (the 2^nd Keynote Speaker) the self-acclaimed non-techy. She claimed to be non-techy but I tell you Her understanding of the web 2.0 is profound! She took us through the web 2.0 and its marketability, pointing on the issues like the power given to the customers by web 2.0. Her presentation was brief yet loaded. She also took time to interact with the audience and expectedly they poured out their understanding and interest in Web 2.0.

The Panels

The first panel consisting of Justin Hartman (Afrigator), ‘Gbenga Sesan (Paradigm Initiative Nigeria), Loy Okezie (Startupsnigeria.com) and Edward Popoola of (Blue Identity) discussed “Realizing Nigeria’s Internet Potentials”. The discussants gave insightful information on the Nigerian Internet Market while ‘Gbenga Sesan questioned the validity of the claim of 10million Internet users in Nigeria. A very thoughtful question was asked by the moderator (Kenny Osanaiye), that the discussant should give a personally experience in their startups journey. ‘Gbenga commented that Technopreneurs should strive to build “Trust Capital” which is the utmost thing that will bring investors into their company. Edward recalled his experience of starting Blue Identity from his hostel room at OAU. Good enough, he has been running the firm for close to 10 years now.

Second panel with Rafiq Phillips (WebAddiCT), Oluniyi David Ajao (Web4Africa), Lekan and Bodunrin titled “Mobile Technology”. The discussant talked about the impact the telecom market has had on Nigeria. Given the penetration of the mobile technology and its affordability, it was argued to be the future of the web. About 52 million Nigerians use mobile phone.

Networking

The event didn’t go without networking, while the eating and drinking was going, we used the opportunity to link up with fellow technoprenuers. There are loads of ideas brimming on the heads of these young Nigerians I must say.

Breakout Sessions

Total of 10 sessions were held during the breakout.

1. Long Tail
2. Open Source
3. E-learning
4. Technology Derivatives
5. Getting people online
6. Web development
7. RapidSMS
8. Social Networking
9. Internet-based Radio
10. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Evan Wheeler anchored the RapidSMS session where he discussed the possibility of reaching more people with less hassle, having deployed the same application for UNICEF.

On Technology Derivative, the Anchor hone out the need for businesses to capitalize on Technology to grow and manage their businesses while reducing cost.

All in all, the gathering fostered a harmonized thinking environment for people willing to make a change in the technology industry in Nigeria. Being the first of its kind, we look forward to other events and innovations to come out as a result of this gathering. Kudos to Tim Akinbo and the organizing team, the sponsors (Afrigator, Innovate Nigeria, Startupsnigeria, Tom Associates, Sturvs), the Keynote speakers, Tom Associates and the participants. Nigeria is indeed ready to take on the world!

For pictures go to Barcamp 2009 Flickr page here.

Where you at the event? What was your experience like? Drop a comment below.