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.
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.
The league shall be known as SmartCity Osun State Football League.SmartCity Osun State Football League promises to deliver huge followership across the state and massive viewership across the planet via social media and web platforms. The FAs broadcast partner, Blackdrum TV will ensure live coverage of major matches both on the Web and cable television networks.The Osun FAs data Partner, Ixzdore will ensure that the League maintains players’, clubs’, and matches’ historical and live data.
From the data, we will generate statistics and analytics useful for player and club ratings that will help in player transfers and facilitate proper trickle-down of transfer payments.
The raw and analytical data will also be available for clubs, analysts, broadcasters, and betting companies. 32 grassroots football clubs have registered for the Under 17 League and have been divided into four conferences.
Two teams will emerge from each of the conferences and proceed to Super 8, where the eventual winners will emerge.
Over 700 young players will participate in the league, featuring 12 weekly matches across 15 football grounds approved for the league matches.
Sir Demola Aladekomo, chairman of SmartCity plc, said:
Sola Fanawopo, Chairman of Osun FA said: SmartCitys commitment to our league is evident, and securing such an iconic and forward-thinking lead partner for our League is great news for us, the fans, and for the whole state. The partnership will help us inspire interest in football from the private sector and allow us to continue our investment into the game at all levels.
The SmartCity Osun Football League will kick off on 13th February at the Osogbo Township Stadium.
SmartCity PLC, an investment and infrastructure development company and Osun Football Association today announced that the tech-focused company will become the Lead Partner of Osun States apex tournament.
32 grassroots football clubs have registered for the Under 17 League
Two teams will emerge from each of the conferences and proceed to Super 8
Over 700 young players will participate in the league
Blackdrum TV will ensure live coverage of major matches
SmartCity Osun State Football League promises to deliver huge followership across the state and massive viewership across the planet
