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This Thursday, May 22, 2025, the “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy” will be unveiled at The Colosseum, Ikeja, Lagos. The exclusive event will bring together policymakers, corporate leaders, innovators, and ecosystem enablers recognized for their transformative roles in Nigeria’s ICT and digital economy.
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The 50MVPs recognition is an initiative of Knowhow Media, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa, and is part of the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) platform—a leading hub for promoting dialogue and development in West Africa’s technology landscape.
Honouring Visionary Leaders in Tech and Innovation
The 50MVPs award honors corporate trailblazers and public-sector leaders who demonstrate exceptional vision, resilience, impact, and strategic foresight in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
Notable honorees at this year’s edition include:
- Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue Stat
- Professor Obadare Peter Adewale, Africa’s most credentialed cybersecurity expert
They join a distinguished list of past MVPs, such as:
- Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs
- Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CEO of Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
- Engr. Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty
- Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres (OADC)
Key Themes and Industry Conversations
Held under the theme:
“Consolidating Progress – Addressing New & Emerging Challenges in Nigeria’s Digital Economy,”
the 2025 event will feature powerful conversations around:
- Leveraging technology for peacebuilding and sustainable development
- Using data analytics to drive poverty reduction
- Accelerating digital transformation for inclusive economic growth
Additional event highlights include:
- Launch of the Nigeria Digital Economy Special Report 2025
- Exclusive 50MVPs Business Lunch with CEOs and public officials
- High-level panels on AI, blockchain, and emerging technologies
Rigorous Selection Criteria
Nominees are assessed using a four-pillar selection framework:
- Innovation & Vision
- Impact & Influence
- Leadership & Contribution
- Sustainability & Future Prospects
According to Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee and Chair of Baobab Think:
“50MVPs is not just a recognition. It’s a national conversation on how visionary leadership is transforming Nigeria’s digital economy.”
Legacy of Excellence and Industry Support
The 50MVPs initiative is an extension of earlier landmark recognitions like the Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers, designed to institutionalize appreciation for excellence in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. It has continued to receive strong support from:
- Government ministries and regulatory agencies
- Corporate partners and digital infrastructure providers
- Industry think tanks and academic stakeholders
Olusegun Oruame, Executive Vice Chairman of Knowhow Media & Market Intelligence International Ltd, emphasized:
“Since 2007, IT Edge News.Africa has served as a trusted voice documenting and spotlighting the key players, trends, and policies shaping Nigeria and Africa’s digital future.”
