Leaders of three frontline tech groups in Nigeria will review the evolving data protection landscape and its implications for Connected Nigeria at the Technology Times Thought Leadership Series holding Thursday in Lagos.
The next edition of the Technology Times Thought Leadership Series, scheduled to take place 8.00 am -11. 00 pm at the BON Hotel Residence, 51, Sobo Arobiodu Street,Ikeja GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, December 21, 2023, will focus on the theme: Data Protection and Connected Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities and Possibilities, Shina Badaru, Founder of Technology announced in a statement.
Three leading industry group leaders including Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON); Adaobi Olaye, Chairperson of Data Privacy Professionals (DPP) and Adesola Akinsanya, President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), will be sharing practical expert insights with attendees at the physical event.
As of August 2023, Nigeria’s phone subscriptions reached 220,715,961 active lines while internet subscriptions was 159,034,717, according to official telecoms market information by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), one of several indicators underscoring the growing tribe of Connected Nigeria, the Technology Times Founder explains.
Badaru on ‘Why Data Protection Matters for Connected Nigeria’
As of August 2023, Nigeria’s phone subscriptions reached 220,715,961 active lines while internet subscriptions was 159,034,717, according to official telecoms market information by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), one of several indicators underscoring the growing tribe of Connected Nigeria, the Technology Times Founder explains.
“We believe that the theme is of great relevance in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape and holds significant implications for the Nigerian society which boasts millions of connected users of mobile phones, the internet and other technologies that define the way we live, work and play,” Badaru says.
The Technology Times Thought Leadership Series will connect data privacy and protection thought leaders, professionals and experts with attendees to understand the most pressing issues around data privacy and protections, particularly as they affect Nigeria’s connected users of mobile phones, the internet and other technologies.
According to Badaru, “we believe that the collaboration between Technology Times and the industry will not only enhance the overall quality of the event but also provide an invaluable platform for Nigerians to gain insights and perspectives from industry and thought leaders on data protection.”
“Our goal is to create an event platform that not only enriches the experience for connected Nigerians, but also contributes meaningfully to the discourse on data protection and technology in Nigeria,” Badaru adds.
Technology Times Thought Leadership Series Speaker Profile: Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President, ATCON
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere is a C-Level Executive and accredited Project Manager with over 23 years’ experience in Telecommunications Management, ICT Service Provisioning, Infrastructure Design, Implementation, and Maintenance.
He is a graduate in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, member of the International Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and member of the Project Management Institute.
He is also an alumnus of the Lagos Business School after undergoing the Owner Manager Executive Programme.
Tony started his career with Nigeria’s Premier ISP Linkserve Ltd as a Network Support Engineer and then a Wireless Engineer responsible for providing Radio Links to Enterprises.
He joined MTN Nigeria Communications Limited at the inception of their services in Nigeria as a Radio Implementation Engineer where he was personally responsible for over 250 live Base Station sites in the network, participating in the launching MTN services in the South-Western Region of Nigeria.
Tony later became a Project Manager Ibadan Region in MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, responsible for all Regional Projects including the Marshal Plan Site Build for the region whose monthly targets were exceeded till the end of the project under his watch.
Tony had a brief stint as the Operation Director with Egypro Nigeria Limited which he helped establish as the 3rd best contractor to MTN Nigeria Limited in 9 months.
Tony then founded Anchor Telecoms in 2005 first as a Project Director and then CEO. In over 18 years under his watch, the company has grown from providing Site Construction services serving one client to providing full Turn-Key Communication Infrastructure Services serving all MNO’s, major InfraCo’s and OEMs in Nigeria, with active operations in Ghana, Cameroun, South Africa, and has executed projects in Benin Republic, Liberia, Gabon, Togo, Sierra Leone, and Equatorial Guinea. Anchor Telecoms is also registered and exploring business opportunities in Kenya, Ethiopia and the United Kingdom.
Tony is also the founder of MangoNet Integrated Services Limited (MangoNet TM) an FTTH and WISP Service Provider and Anchor Digital Media Services Limited a TV Content Producer and Streaming Service.
In addition, Tony has several certifications under his belt from programs in Nigeria, South Africa and Sweden including Ericsson RBS 2000 O&M, Ericsson Education Europe-DXX System Basics, Ericsson Education Europe-Focus AC1&LX, Ericsson GSM System Survey Course, Microsoft Certified Professional and Project Management Professional (PMP).
He is currently the President of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).
Tony is happily married with 3 kids and enjoys reading, travelling, and cycling.
Technology Times Thought Leadership Series Speaker Profile: Ada Olaye, Chairperson, DPP, Nigeria
Adaobi Olaye Adaobi is a seasoned Data Privacy and Regulatory Compliance expert and has had an enjoyable experience working with multinationals, government and non-governmental in IT solution, Application development and Management services, IT procurement, Training and Business application consulting.
With her legal background, Adaobi has also built an impressive portfolio of skills in Customer Relationship Management, CSR branding, fiduciary & legal advisory services, and more recently in the emergent area of Data Security services.
A scholarship recipient of the Brighton Business school (MSC Marketing, Branding and Communications), LLB and Bachelor of Law Honors from the Nigerian Law School and University of Lagos respectively, Adaobi is a passionate Child privacy rights advocate and brand strategist.
She has always been passionate about assisting organisations to build a transparent relationship between businesses and their target market. She has worked with brands both locally and internationally to align consumer protection best practices with core business values.
As a data protection Consultant, she provides comprehensive data protection consultancy services to both individuals and organisations, providing tailored services to specific client requirements rather than simply on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Adaobi has contributed academically to a growing body of knowledge via several articles published online. She is presently the Knowledgenet Chair for IAPP (Nigerian Chapter) and also the key administrator for a global platform called Data Privacy Professionals. The platform houses a fast-growing community of data privacy professionals in tech, legal & academia from across the world, who gather to exchange ideas and industry knowledge especially concerning the future of Data Privacy, during and post COVID.
She is also the Chairperson, the Coalition of Data Protection & Privacy Advocates. Adaobi is passionate about giving back through socially responsible projects and partnerships. She is Global Co-Ordinator, One Hope for the Heart International, an American humanitarian mission and the Trustee for the Ambassadors Initiative for Youth Development and Conflict Resolution, a non-governmental organisation for youths.
She also served as Partner, Design for Change Nigeria and as a trustee for the Foundation for Passion and Genuine Hope, an organisation for skill development for widows. She is a mother of 3 exceptional young ladies, ages 15 years, 12 and 6 respectively.
Technology Times Thought Leadership Series Speaker Profile: Adesola Akinsanya, President, NiRA
Mr. Adesola Akinsanya is the President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), currently the Chief Operating Officer/Executive Director at Upperlink Limited. He also doubles as the Director of Upperlink Cloud subsidiary where he spearheads business and strategy for the company’s cloud services.
He brings several years of professional expertise, competence, and experience in the Information Technology industry with a focus on infrastructure and cloud services. He was part of the team that aided the accreditation of Upperlink Limited as the first Nigerian company to be accredited as a Global Registrar by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in 2014 and has led the Domain team to date.
He was also a member of the evaluation team that appraised the Company on Level 3 for CMMI Assessment, ISO 27001, ISO23301, Data Protection Compliance Organization (DPCO), and PCI DSS certifications.
He recently participated and completed the Standford Seed and African Management Institute-sponsored Aspire Business growth (A 6 month intensive training programme).
He has taken several courses on Domain Registry and Advanced Domain Registry Operation. He had attended several conferences, including ICANN and AFRINIC, within and outside Africa.
He has been involved and participated in panel discussions organised by ICANN Africa, African Union, and AFTLD both as a panellist and moderator in several fora such as the Africa Domain Name System Forum, Multistakeholder Internet Governance in Africa, thereby contributing to the development and adoption of African CCTLDs. In line with his passion for service, he was a member of the team selected by Google to launch the GABO and GNBO initiatives. This helped to increase awareness and adoption of the .ng domain brand, he also mentored young IT professionals during that period.
Adesola Akinsanya had his first degree in Engineering and holds a Postgraduate Degree in Computer Science from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and the University of Lagos respectively.
He is a Chartered member of Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) and a member of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA). GLG council member. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustee Ndukwe Kalu Foundation and belongs to several committees where he participates actively. His passion and commitment to NIRA over the years cannot be overemphasised.
