Tomorrow is the D day for the highly anticipated Forum. All stakeholders in the IT industry is coming together to discuss internet in Nigeria. In this interview with the organizer, Mrs. Nweke said, it is meant for the startups to link-up with the who is who in the industry. So if you are a Technopreneur, make sure you keep a date at the event tomorrow at Golden Gate Restaurant in Lagos. Event details here.

Read the interview below. WTN = Web Trends Nigeria.

WTN: Can we meet you ma?

Mrs. Nweke: I am Nkemdilim Nweke (Mrs.) Executive Director (Operations) Digital Sense Africa(DSA). DSA is an initiative of Remnek  Kommunications Ventures; a group of information and communications technology, public relation analysts and consultancy firm based in Lagos, with affiliation across Africa.

WTN: Digital Sense Forum, what is it about and what should we expect?

Mrs. Nweke: The Nigeria Digital Sense Forum is an annual rallying point for Nigerian internet stakeholders in raising and addressing salient issues concerning the ICT sector with particular reference to the Internet Governance-related issues and development in Nigeria, as well as showcasing Internet-based products.

WTN: Who are who should we expect and  have they confirmed their coming?

Mrs. Nweke: In view of the fact that speakers at the forum are notable and respected people in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry, you will  be seeing a group of ICT technocrats share experience, views, and their well researched stands on  the subject matter “Internet Governance: Creating Opportunities for all Nigerians.”

Considering the importance and timing of this all-embracing topic, you will be seeing the Hon. Minister of Information and Communications, Prof Dora Akunyili, who will be formally declaring the event open, The Minister of State, for information and communications, Alhaji Ikra Aliyu Bilbis. Hon. Commissioners for science and Technology, Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Hamza as (chief host), Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe will deliver the keynote address; Directors of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and Managing Directors of ICT Companies, as well as ICANN the world internet agency, of course, will be represented at the Nigeria Digital Sense Forum by the Liaison officer, Ms Anne Rachel Inne.

WTN: What impact will this forum have on the internet market in Nigeria?

Mrs. Nweke: The major impact is that the forum would afford Nigeria and Nigerians to articulate a stand(s), to serve as an expose to the government on stakeholders’ expectations and roles as concern Internet governance and development in the country for global competitiveness.

The forum will have major operators and ISPs displaying internet-base products to give participants the opportunity to see what is obtainable now and the enormous potentials inherent in the present day technologies with reference to the internet and as a result of this expose more and more people will realize the importance of the internet and patronise these internet products which will in no little way grow the internet market.

WTN: What do you have in schedule for the startup community in Nigeria, Entrepreneurs?

Mrs. Nweke: The startup communities in the Nigeria internet market should explore the enormous opportunities offered by this forum, because it is basically meant for them. They are the ones we had in mind when planning this forum and we hope it will benefit optimally.

WTN:  What can you say about the Nigerian internet market?

Mrs. Nweke: It is a market that needs to be explored positively for the national growth and economic growth of the citizenry. There are lots of things people can do to earn legitimate money and at the same time promote the image of the country and themselves as well as building trust among entrepreneurs in the country. So there are opportunities,but Nigerians need to know about these opportunities so as to benefit. Information is the key this age.

WTN: Where do you see the Internet market in Nigeria in the next 5-10years?

Mrs. Nweke: I see the biggest internet market in Africa and one of the first 10 in the world in the next 10 years.

WTN: What word do you have for the general stakeholders in the industry?

Mrs. Nweke: The Nigerian internet market is fast growing because looking at where we are coming from to having about 11 million users as at the last count from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), you will agree with me that it is fast growing.

The stakeholders who I see in the generality of Nigerians should not leave things for the government alone, and beyond this, advocacy must continue to move with the pace of development for global competitiveness.

Thank you very much for taking your time to talk to us.

Mrs. Nweke: