The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has announced that Chief Samuel Ortom, former Governor of Benue State, will serve as one of  the  panelists  at the upcoming GOCOP 2025 Conference.

The conference theme is “Reconciling Campaign Promises with Governance Realities: Challenges and Prospects.”

A press statement by GOCOP publicity secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, disclosed that the panel discussion will feature esteemed panelists, including Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, Registrar, Base University, Abuja; Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika,2025 Director, Institute of Continuing Education (UNILAG); and Alhaji Lanre Issa-Orilu, Director-General, National Orientation Agency.

The conference, he said, will take place on October 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. 

He recalled that GOCOP had earlier announced that the keynote speaker will be Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and immediate past Governor of Katsina State.

How can Africa remain safe and powerful in a world being rapidly redefined by Artificial Intelligence?

That pressing question will take centre stage at the 13th Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition (DACE), scheduled for October 28–29, 2025, in Abuja.

The two-day gathering will be anchored by two powerhouse keynote speakers: Dr. Armstrong Takang on Day 1 and Prof. Latif Ladid on Day 2, each bringing unique expertise to Africa’s digital sovereignty conversation.

Dr. Armstrong Takang, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), will open the conference with a keynote that situates Africa’s digital sovereignty within the broader context of economic reform, institutional innovation, and strategic governance.

A consummate professional and visionary thinker, Dr. Takang has spent decades bridging the gap between public reform and private investment across Africa and the United States. Before his current role at MOFI, he served as Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, where he led the MOFI Transformation Team. 

His career includes leading Growth Alliance Partners (GAP), a pan-African firm that helped turn around several businesses to create shareholder value, and working at KPMG in New York.

He has been instrumental in designing and implementing key national initiatives such as the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), and the ICT components of EFCC/NFIU systems.

Dr. Takang has also chaired national ICT committees and contributed to landmark policies, including Nigeria’s Content Development in ICT and the country’s 50-year Development Plan. His keynote will highlight how digital and financial sovereignty intersect to secure Africa’s long-term competitiveness.

On the other hand, Prof. Latif Ladid, Founder & President of the IPv6 Forum and Chair of the AI & Blockchain Global Forum, brings decades of global leadership in internet architecture, digital policy, and emerging technologies.

His expertise spans across pivotal roles from IEEE Future Networks to the Internet Society, 3GPP, and EU research on next-generation networks.

Organizers say his keynote will set the tone for the conference, unpacking how Africa can assert digital sovereignty, safeguard its data, and lead in shaping the ethics and standards of AI on the global stage.

“This year’s theme, ‘Sovereign Intelligence: Africa’s Voice in the Global Digital Order,’ isn’t just a concept, it’s a necessity,” said Dr. Evans Woherem, Chairman of Digital Africa Consult. “Prof. Ladid’s keynote will highlight what it takes for Africa to remain safe, independent, and powerful in the new AI era.”

At a time when global powers are racing to define AI norms and secure digital dominance, Africa risks being left behind if it fails to act. Much of its technology remains imported, its data stored abroad, and its languages invisible in mainstream AI systems.

DACE 2025 is designed to change this narrative, by equipping Africa with the tools, strategies, and partnerships to become a proactive co-author of the digital future.

The conference will feature high-level dialogues on digital sovereignty, policy innovation, and cross-border cooperation, alongside exhibitions of homegrown startups, developer workshops, and showcases of African-built AI tools for health, agriculture, finance, and education.

Beyond the panels and showcases, DACE 2025 is expected to produce a concrete roadmap for Africa’s digital sovereignty.

“This isn’t just about technology,” noted Woherem. “It’s about agency, safety, and independence. With Prof. Ladid setting the stage, we hope to leave Abuja with a united vision of Africa’s place in the global AI order.”

With delegates expected from across Africa and the world, the two-day gathering promises to be a defining moment in the continent’s digital journey.

Nigerian Export Promotions  Council, NEPC, played a significant role at the just concluded maiden Lagos Trade Fair. NEPC, enhanced the  export capabilites of  entrepreneurs  at the Fair.

Nancy Okpa and Olamide Olatunde, both Senior Trade Officers from NEPC,  equipped the entrepreneurs with knowledge and skills  necessary for international trade.
The Vendors learnt the step by step export procedures. They also gained insight to the importance of  compliance with international standards.

Monalisa Abimbola Aze, a lawyer turned entrepreneur whose company Mona Matthews curated the event  expressed appreciation for developing the export capabilites of entrepreneurs and providing them access to international markets.

She said the ” Vendors  will be more confident and equipped to navigate the exportation process.”

 “Through exportation entrepreneurs can expand their businesses and access global market.”She added.

Olori Janet Afolabi, a Publisher and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, who collaborated with Azeh  on the event, commended NEPC for its effort to reduce Nigeria economic vulnerability to oil price fluctuation by promoting non oil  exports.” She said through exportation there will be increased foreign exchange earnings”

Apart from NEPC, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration   Control, NAFDAC , officials also attended the Trade Fair to sensitise entrepreneurs on the need to register their products.

The event drew a large crowd  and sparked entrepreneurial growth.
 Aze, said ” I am overwhelmed by the success of the  event   We are grateful for the enthusiasm from Vendors who showcased  their products and services with passion..
The event has shown that with determination and hard work we can create a lasting impact and provide opportunities for growth and expansion of businesses and services “

Olori Afolabi  described  the event  as  a great first attempt ” It exceeded my expectations.It was incredible to see entrepreneurs come together to celebrate enterprise and innovations. The energy was amazing. We look  forward to building on this momentum.”

 Vendors at the Fair expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the opportunities provided by the event.Many of them reported increased visibility, valuable connections and potential business deals.

One of them,  Enobong  Ezekiel, CEO / Founder Coreal8  said “l am honoured to have been a part of this experience. I was able to connect with many customers and partners.The organisers did an incredible job of creating  a vibrant and supportive atmosphere  that allowed us to showcase our services”

The event held on 6th and 7th September at Yard 158, Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja Lagos.

The two day event brought together about  100 versatile Vendors, showcasing  a wide range of products and services in fashion, food, lifestyle, technology and beauty.The event featured food courts, entertainment and games, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

 Many visitors attended the Fair Prominent among them is Tope Alabi a popular gospel musician.

The Fair which showcased the entrepreneurial strength of Lagos is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy .