A summary of the speech delivered at the recently held Inaugural Graduation Ceremony of Ijesa Digital Innovation Hub
Sir Demola Aladekomo, Executive Chairman of SmartCity PLC, delivered an inspiring keynote address at the Ijesa Digital Innovation Hub’s inaugural graduation ceremony. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the graduating class and their potential to thrive in the digital economy.
Aladekomo emphasized the transformative power of the digital economy, stating, “The digital economy is not just a buzzword but a transformative force reshaping industries, societies, and the fabric of our daily lives.” He highlighted Nigeria’s potential as a digital leader, citing its youthful population and increasing internet penetration.
The speech commended the graduates’ expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and UI/UX Design, stressing their crucial role in fueling the digital revolution. Aladekomo acknowledged the importance of institutions like the Ijesa Digital Innovation Hub, which equip young people with the skills needed to succeed in this new frontier.
From Humble Beginnings to Digital Success
Aladekomo shared his personal journey, inspiring the graduates with his story of starting Chams Plc from the ground up. He emphasized the values of hard work, perseverance, and embracing opportunities within the digital space.
The 3Gs and 3Cs: Values for Success
Aladekomo outlined six key values for success in the digital economy:
The 3Gs:
Grit: unwavering determination to achieve long-term goals
Give: generosity in sharing knowledge, skills, and resources
Gratitude: appreciating opportunities and those who support you
The 3Cs:
Charisma: the ability to inspire and influence others
Character: integrity, honesty, and ethical behaviour
Competence: a combination of skills, knowledge, and expertise
A Call to Action
Aladekomo concluded by urging the graduates to embrace the digital economy, contribute to societal growth, and become catalysts for positive change. He left them with a message of encouragement, stating, “The future is bright, and the opportunities are limitless.”
This is a powerful message for young Nigerians aspiring to make their mark in the digital world. By following Aladekomo’s advice and harnessing the potential of the digital economy, they can contribute to a brighter future for themselves and their nation.
SmartCity is an investment and infrastructure development company dedicated to creating modern real estate and infrastructural projects that enable people to live, work, and relax in a technologically enabled environment, fostering pleasant and productive living.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, said the government anticipated the rise in cases following the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, which drew large gatherings.
Ms Ogunyemi said this in an update released by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director, Public Affairs in the state’s Ministry of Health, on Thursday in Lagos.
She said the cases increased to 401 across Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers of infections.
Ms Ogunyemi, however, noted that suspected cases are subsiding across local government areas (LGAs), particularly in previously affected LGAs, due to the state government’s interventions and surveillance efforts.
Government Response
In response, the Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to manage the crisis. Key measures include:
Emergency Medical Teams: Rapid response teams have been deployed to the most affected areas, providing immediate medical care and conducting contact tracing to control the spread.
Public Health Campaigns: The government has launched extensive campaigns to educate citizens about cholera, its symptoms, and preventive measures. These campaigns utilize community outreach, social media, and local radio broadcasts.
Enhanced Water and Sanitation Initiatives: Efforts to improve water quality and sanitation have been stepped up. This includes testing and chlorinating water sources, distributing water purification tablets, and promoting good hygiene practices.
Healthcare Facility Support: Public health facilities are offering free treatment for cholera patients. Additional supplies such as rehydration solutions and antibiotics are being distributed to hospitals and clinics to handle the increasing number of cases.
Understanding Cholera
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through contaminated water or food and can lead to severe dehydration and death if not promptly treated. Symptoms include:
Watery diarrhea
Vomiting
Rapid heart rate
Loss of skin elasticity
Low blood pressure
Prevention Measures
Preventing cholera involves both personal and community actions:
Safe Drinking Water: Consume only boiled, chlorinated, or bottled water. Avoid ice unless it’s made from safe water.
Good Hygiene Practices: Wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet and before eating or handling food.
Safe Food Consumption: Eat thoroughly cooked food and avoid raw or undercooked seafood and street food from unreliable sources.
Proper Sanitation: Ensure proper disposal of human waste and maintain clean living environments to prevent the spread of bacteria.
As Nigeria confronts this cholera outbreak, public cooperation in adhering to preventive measures is vital. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.
SmartCity PLC, the developer of HazanaCity—a smart estate in Ibadan and Osogbo—strongly encourages the public to fully support and comply with government directives and preventive measures. This collective effort is essential for safeguarding the health and well-being of all residents and bringing an end to this outbreak.
SmartCity Osun State Football League commenced on 13 February 2024 with 32 teams as one of the first local leagues with brand sponsorship. Real estate development firm SmartCity Limited entered an initial five-year deal to sponsor the league.
Sir Demola Aladekomo, founder of Chams Plc, the first indigenous ICT firm on the NGX and the Guinness Book of Records, leads the firm.
Aladekomo is deploying a combination of CSR, sports, and community development to sponsor the Osun State League.
What are your hopes and dreams for this league?
Our vision for this league is to empower young and talented individuals positively, impact them with a platform that offers global exposure for their skills. Through leveraging technology, we aim to showcase their talents to the world, fostering growth and visibility on an international scale.
At SmartCity, our mission is to create a positive impact on our people and communities through investments in people, technology, and real estate. Rooted in our dedication to serving humanity, we also honour our commitment to glorifying God in all that we do.”
Aladekomo says SmartCity aims “to elevate this league into a highly competitive platform that not only produces champions but also discovers and promotes talented youths, granting them visibility on a global stage, produces champions and is a cornerstone of our annual calendar, ensuring its significance in sports and community engagement.”
The SmartCity Osun Football League will feature players, referees, administrators, spectators and everyone in the football value chain.
Aladekomo noted, “With over thirty-two grassroots foot- ball clubs participating, the league offers a vibrant and competitive environment for over 700 young players. Divided into four conferences, the teams compete across eleven grounds every weekend, providing ample opportunities for football agents and scouts to discover emerging talent. We are excited about the potential of these young players and are committed to nurturing them for global recognition, while also fostering a love for the game, competition, and communal unity.”
Sola Fanawopo, a journalist and sports administrator, chairs the Osun State FA. The FA and SmartCity hope to make the league “the premier grassroots football tournament in Nigeria and West Africa”.
Their partners include BlackdrumTV, the broadcast partner that would ensure live coverage of matches aired on both web and cable television networks. The other is Ixzdore, a data partner, to establish data tracking systems for players, clubs, and matches. “This invaluable data will serve as a vital resource for statistical analysis and player/club ratings, facilitating informed decisions and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the league. Furthermore, it will play a crucial role in player transfers, providing clubs and agents with valuable insights into player performance and potential.”
What value proposition attracted SmartCity to leap?
Our decision to step forward as the primary sponsor of the 2024 Osun State Football League is a strategic initiative transcending mere brand exposure. It embodies a profound commitment to community engagement and nurturing grassroots football development, driven by our core values and aspirations.
SmartCity hopes to drive brand visibility, impact, community involvement, market positioning, investment, and legacy building.
Aladekomo stated: “The league sponsorship embodies SmartCity’s commitment to investing in the future of our state and nation. By providing platforms that nurture talent and elevate local sports to a global stage, we aim to leave a lasting legacy of positive impact and growth in Osun State and beyond. At SmartCity, we are proud to lead the way in leveraging this partnership for mutual benefit and the advancement of our communities. Together, we are poised to make a tangible and enduring difference in the lives of our people and the sporting landscape of Osun State.”
How does SmartCity plan to leverage the league for brand building?
SmartCity’s strategic sponsorship of the 2024 Osun State Football League is a cornerstone in the brand-building efforts, offering a multifaceted approach to enhancing visibility and engagement. It offers prominent positioning, global reach, shared values and community engagement.
Aladekomo: “The league’s emphasis on competition and fair play mirrors SmartCity’s core values of integrity and excellence. By aligning with these ideals, we reinforce our commitment to fostering positive relationships within the community. This shared ethos is a powerful foundation for brand building, resonating with football enthusiasts and fostering loyalty among fans and followers.”
Both Aladekomo and Fanawapo believe that the dominant European Leagues with their massive TV exposure and Nigerian audience, will not impend the Osun Football League. “The League is an opportunity for our grassroots football clubs to get discovered and grow their support base. We intend to showcase local talents through this league, thereby bringing development to our local games,” Aladekomo stated. “It might take time, but we shall get there. And with the support of media platforms like yours, we will take our local leagues to the next level,” he affirmed.
SmartCity is an investment and infrastructure development company dedicated to creating modern real estate and infra- structural projects that enable people to live, work, and relax in a technologically enabled environment, fostering pleasant and productive living. HazanaCity, Ibadan, its flagship, is a 100-hectare mixed-use real estate project in Oyo State, designed to be a model ‘Work, Live, and Play’ smart city, the first of its kind in Nigeria.
SmartCity’s Project Director Mr. Gabriel Ukachukwu is leading the replication of HazanaCity in Osun State. It aims to provide a decent living, innovative commercial spaces, a technology market, a call centre, a solar farm, entertainment facilities, and leisure areas, all integrated into one place.
Renowned entrepreneur and Founder of Chams Plc, Sir Demola Aladekomo, has underscored the imperative of developing Smart Cities in Nigeria, responding to the United Nations’ projection of approximately 275 million Nigerians migrating from rural to urban areas by 2050. Aladekomo’s call to action took place during the 8th edition of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (LCCI) 2022 Information Communication Technology and Telecommunication (ICTEL) Expo held recently in Lagos.
In his presentation on “Efficient Digital Infrastructures through Smart Cities,” Aladekomo reframed migration as a transformative process rather than a problem. He emphasized the importance of managing the migrating population effectively and understanding migration factors to harness its productive potential, mitigating negative societal impacts.
Citing UN estimates, Aladekomo highlighted that Nigeria’s population is projected to reach about 411 million by 2050 and 794 million by 2100, with rural-urban migration expected to hit 275 million in 2050. Drawing on former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s perspective on migration as an expression of human aspirations, Aladekomo emphasized the need to leverage migration for societal benefit.
Explaining the concept of Smart Cities, he described them as places that enhance the quality of life, offering entertainment, environmental sustainability, and improved security. Aladekomo proposed converting existing poorly structured cities into smart cities through polycentricity and agglomeration.
Polycentricity involves creating decentralized cities around existing urban centers, digitally managing them from inception, while agglomeration involves clustering them in specialized forms such as healthcare cities, technology cities, and agricultural cities. This approach aims to enhance productivity, commerce, cost optimization, job creation, and poverty alleviation.
Key components of Smart Cities, as outlined by Aladekomo, include Smart Governance, Smart Energy, Smart Citizen, Smart Healthcare, Smart Technology, Smart Mobility, Smart Building, and Smart Infrastructure.
Aladekomo suggested leapfrogging relevant technologies to address infrastructural deficits, emphasizing the government’s role in recognizing population growth as an opportunity. He called for accepting rural-urban migration as a reality, utilizing agglomeration and a polycentric governance approach, and leveraging technology for development and administration.
Highlighting SmartCity PLC’s ongoing projects in Ibadan and Osogbo through suburb polycentrism, Aladekomo concluded by urging private sector participation, good governance, adherence to the rule of law, building sustainable institutions, and acknowledging and replicating past successes.
The LCCI ICTEL Expo, where Aladekomo made these insightful remarks, serves as a vital platform for exploring opportunities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy, aligning with the government’s objectives to grow the digital economy and enhance e-governance.
