GrowthX By Techeconomy, TiLAwards Set for Tomorrow in Lagos

The much anticipated GrowthX by Techeconomy, the flagship annual executive dialogue, and Technology Innovation & Leadership Awards (TiLAwards), and industry recognition platform, operated under the Techeconomy Business Series, will be held tomorrow, Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Lagos.

Starting at 9:00 am prompt, GrowthX by Techeconomy will take place at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island under the theme: Driving Digital Growth Through Innovation and Collaboration, with goodwill messages by Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, president, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA); and opening remarks by Dr. Ayotunde Coker, chief executive officer, Open Access Data Centre (OADC).

David Adeoye Abodunrin, founder, Cubed Integrated Consulting & Cyberfore will deliver the keynote speech with lead presentations by Ikenna Odike, chief executive officer, OUTCESS; Dennis Ajalie, chief executive officer, TeamApt Limited, and Chika Nwosu, managing director, PalmPay.

GrowthX by Techeconomy will also feature panel discussions. According to the organisers, the first panel session will focus on Data Localisation, Security & Future of Payments in Nigeria.

Mr Blessing Ehize, chief technology officer (CTO), First City Monument Bank (FCMB); Dr Ayotunde Coker, CEO of OADC; Dennic Ajalie, CEO of TeamApt Limited; Mr Adesola Akinsanya, president, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA); Dr Krishnan Ranganath, CEO of UniCloud Africa, and Roseline Ilori, founder & CEO of Bridge57 Solutions Limited, will be on the panel to be moderated by Elsie Godwin, co-founder/COO, Cashwise Finance.

“The panel will discuss the implications of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent data localisation directive for the country’s digital payments ecosystem. It will explore how keeping payment data within Nigeria could strengthen data sovereignty, digital identity, cybersecurity, consumer protection and trust, while also considering the infrastructure, compliance, cost and operational challenges for banks, fintechs and payment service providers”, said Joan Aimuengheuwa, managing editor at Techeconomy.

The second panel session will discuss “Building AI for Africa: Innovation, Infrastructure and Inclusive Growth”. Among the discussants are Mr David Adeoye Abodunrin, founder, Cubed Integrated Consulting & Cyberfore; Abraham Durosawo, vice president, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA); Oluwole Abegunde, vice president, Data & Insights, Insiyhtcs; Ebenezer Dare, co-ounder/chief executive officer, Hostlag Limited; Squadron Leader Adefola Amoo (Rtd), founder, GridCodes, and Ikenna Odike, chief executive officer, OUTCESS. It will be moderated by Bukky Amosan, content host/community manager at Techeconomy.

“We are looking forward to the panellists exploring how Africa can move beyond AI adoption to AI development, building homegrown solutions that address the continent’s unique economic and social challenges. The discussion will examine the critical role of compute infrastructure, data, connectivity, talent, investment and policy in developing Africa’s AI ecosystem, while addressing issues around affordability, digital inclusion, responsible AI and data sovereignty. Panellists will also consider how AI can drive productivity, job creation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth across African markets”, Aimuengheuwa said.

Continuing, she said, “Yet, the third panel will dwell on “Fintech at a Crossroads? Innovation, Regulation and the Cost of Scaling in Nigeria”. This panel will examine the evolving landscape of Nigeria’s fintech sector as companies navigate the delicate balance between innovation, regulatory compliance and sustainable growth.

“The discussion will explore how changing regulations, rising operational costs, cybersecurity risks, access to capital and increasing competition are reshaping the economics of scaling fintech businesses.

“Panellists will also consider what fintechs, regulators and investors can do to foster responsible innovation, consumer trust and long-term growth while keeping Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s digital financial transformation”, she added.

The panel will feature industry leaders including Hakeem Adeniji-Adele, deputy managing director, eTranzact Int’l PLC; Adeshina Adewumi, founder/Chief Executive Officer, Trade Lenda; Victor Daniyan, chief executive officer, Nearpays Technologies; Chika Nwosu, managing director, PalmPay, and Philip Aiwekhoe, chief information security officer, Nigeria Police Force Microfinance Bank, while Rarzack Olaegbe, the producer, The Fintex Show, Nigeria Info 99.3 FM, will moderate.

The conference will also feature a fireside chat between Kehinde Ogundare, regional manager, Zoho Nigeria, discussing Enterprise Technology & Data Security with Joan Aimuengheuwa.

Also commenting, Mr Destiny Eseaga, GrowthX Project Coordinator, disclosed that Lagos Innovates, an arm of Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSEFT) will host a special startup session on “Building Businesses, Creating Jobs & Driving Startup Growth.”

The session to be moderated by Larry Uwajeh, head of Communications at LSETF, will feature Olanike Aladeojebi, head of Startups at Lagos Innovates; Victor Williams Ikenna, Talent & Client Success Manager, InnoPower Africa; Oluwamayowa Adeogun, co-founder of IJM Global Limited; and Jerry Nwobodo, founder of Presibo.

Eseaga also revealed the Compère as Stephen Ipalibo Lawson, a renowned corporate Compère/TV Host.

At 4:00 pm, the Blue Carpet will be rolled out for TiLAwards (gala). According to Peter Oluka, the editor of Techeconomy, at TiLAwards they will be celebrating individuals, companies and institutions whose work is contributing to the development of the digital economy.

From fintech and payments to artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, public-sector transformation, technology journalism and digital services, the awards shine a light on meaningful contributions across the ecosystem.

“Our approach to recognition is grounded in technology, innovation and leadership, not simply visibility. We seek to celebrate work that demonstrates relevance, creates value, addresses real challenges and contributes to the wider technology ecosystem.

“The inaugural edition takes place within GrowthX by Techeconomy, under the theme: Driving Digital Growth Through Innovation and Collaboration.

“This theme reflects an important reality: sustainable digital growth cannot be built by one company, sector or institution alone. It requires collaboration among innovators, businesses, policymakers, regulators, investors, infrastructure providers, journalists and communities.

“TiLAwards therefore goes beyond the ceremony. It is part of a broader conversation about the people and ideas shaping Africa’s digital future”, Oluka said.