Platform pens open letter to Nigerians on Independence day

As a young nation, we have accomplished a great deal, but there is still work to be done for us to realise our full potential as a people and nation.

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There are many parallels in Nigeria’s journey and that of Social Media Week Lagos (SMW Lagos). We too find ourselves approaching an important milestone; in 2017 we celebrate our 5-year anniversary.

As SMW Lagos’ global online reach rapidly approaches 1 billion, we recognise the tremendous impact we have, yet we also understand we too have much work to do. As a conference, we must ensure that our programming is transformative and provides the capacity to Lagosians, Nigerians and Africans in general.

SMW Lagos strives to be a platform that fuels economic development and improves the quality of life in Lagos and throughout Africa.

Our mission is to provide a forum for Africa’s most innovative minds. through the exchange of ideas, skills sharing and collaboration these thought leaders will generate approaches to digital and tech-based solutions that radically change the status quo and create opportunities that positively impact not just Nigeria but the entire continent.

Our focus for the next 5 years is to provide programming that leverages social media and technology to do the following:

[1] Create jobs

[2] Encourage and facilitate investment

[3] Ease access to quality education

[4] Achieve gender balance

Job creation, investment, access to quality education and gender balance are game changers. If more Nigerians and Africans in general, can earn a living, access capital, educate themselves and be treated equitably regardless of gender, they are empowered to transform their lives, communities, countries and the entire continent.

SMW Lagos can and will steer the conversation around Africa to one that is solutions oriented and rooted in African progress. This is our plan for the next 5 years (#Next5Years) and we know with the continued support of Nigerians and the global community this plan can be achieved.

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SMW Lagos continues to be inspired by Nigeria and the brilliance and resilience of its people. It’s this unrelenting spirit that has allowed our people to accomplish so much and make our presence known throughout Africa and around the world.

As Nigeria heads into its 56th year and SMW Lagos heads into its 5th, one thing we know for sure is our best is yet to come. To quote our Co-Founder Obi Asika “In 2017, the world will hear from us.”