The prestigious “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy” will be officially unveiled tomorrow at The Colosseum, Ikeja, Lagos, during a grand recognition event marking nearly two decades of tech excellence and innovation leadership.
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Spearheaded by Knowhow Media, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa, the 50MVPs awards serve as a national spotlight on individuals who are transforming Nigeria’s digital economy through innovation, policy leadership, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem development.
Celebrating Leadership and Impact Across Nigeria
Hosted as part of the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC)—a flagship forum for regional tech dialogue since 2007—the 50MVPs recognition celebrates both private and public sector players who are advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
This year’s honors highlight accomplishments across all 36 states of the federation, with notable impacts recognized in Benue, Niger, and Kaduna States—each making the 2025 Honors List.
Noteworthy Honorees for 2025 Include:
- Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State
- Professor Obadare Peter Adewale, Africa’s most credentialed cybersecurity expert
They join an elite list of past MVP recipients 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 Nigeria
- Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres (OADC)
Key Themes: Driving Innovation and Solving National Challenges
Themed “Consolidating Progress – Addressing New & Emerging Challenges in Nigeria’s Digital Economy,” the 2025 edition is backed by government institutions, corporate leaders, and industry think tanks.
Featured conversations will explore:
- Harnessing data analytics to reduce poverty
- Accelerating digital transformation for inclusive economic growth
Additional Highlights:
- 50MVPs Business Lunch with CEOs and top public officials
- Panels on AI, Digital Skills Development, Outsourcing, and emerging tech frontiers
Rigorous, Transparent Selection Process
Nominees were evaluated through a rigorous four-pillar framework:
- Innovation & Vision
- Impact & Influence
- Leadership & Contribution
- Sustainability & Future Prospects
According to Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chair of Baobab Think and head of the 2025 Nomination Committee:
“50MVPs is not just a recognition—it’s a national conversation on how visionary leadership is transforming Nigeria’s digital economy.”
Legacy of Excellence Since 2007
This year’s event builds on a proud tradition, including the Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers, and continues to earn support from:
- Federal and State Government Ministries
- Regulatory agencies and digital service providers
- Academic institutions and ecosystem enablers
Olusegun Oruame, Executive Vice Chairman of Knowhow Media & Market Intelligence International Ltd., noted:
“In nearly two decades, IT Edge News.Africa has remained consistent in documenting the policies, trends, and people shaping Nigeria and Africa’s digital space perpetually in transition.”