Last week, we reported the ambition of a local government chairmanship candidate to build a tech hub in the Ojodu area of Lagos on the heels of an ongoing debate on the possibility of having a structured and vibrant tech cluster in Yaba. While the debate is still unresolved, the Lagos state government unexpectedly announced that the popular (Ikeja) Computer Village; where gadget parts, accessories, smartphones sale and repairs are easily accessible will be relocated to Katangowa on Lagos-Abeokuta expressway. There had been indications from the recent past that this would happen but while other conversations around developing the tech community withing Lagos (Nigeria) stirred, this wasn’t what many prepared to also banter on – or so I think, seeing that the Lagos State government is on a demolition and relocation spree; re: Otodo Gbame.
Making the announcement yesterday, the government assured that the relocation will curb environmental degradation, housing stock deficit and traffic congestion in the Ikeja axis and by the tone of the announcement, there is little that can or will be done to contest the decision. We move.
By this morning, another announcement has been made.
In order to reinforce Yaba as the tech hub of Lagos (Nigeria), more conscious and intentional steps are being taken. Mark Essien, CEO Hotels.ng and a vocal member of the tech community announced via his twitter handle a tech meetup – in Yaba, starting on the 27th of April 2017 – tomorrow!
We want to have regular tech meet-ups in Yaba. First one is tommorow, at @SwitchExpress office by 5pm. Topic: Fundraising
— Mark Essien (@markessien) April 26, 2017
.@SwitchExpress Tomi Davies will give a short talk, and then everyone discusses. No high table, it’s not sit and watch, but everyone participates.
— Mark Essien (@markessien) April 26, 2017
There are no speakers on each topic, it’s just open discussion where everyone can participate. 5pm. @SwitchExpress office in Yaba.
— Mark Essien (@markessien) April 26, 2017
Tommorow Yaba Tech meetup is unconference style: 3 topics – 1. Seed Funding, 2. Getting money from biz angels 3. How to fail at raising cash
— Mark Essien (@markessien) April 26, 2017
One would have to be blind not to notice how much effort Mark is putting to bring back the glory of Yaba and the reputation it has for hosting tech businesses and startups and the benefits therein if properly set up. Baby steps will one day be giant steps and that’s what’s most admirable in all this. Follow Mark on twitter to stay informed on the “Tech Meetup” pending when a name is coined for it. One also expects that the meetup becomes a place of reference for the government to seek insights before embarking on projects that affect the almost self-sufficient community as a whole.
Biggest fear: What if after all this hardwork to build a cultural tech community in Yaba, the Lagos state government decide to relocate it?