Google Africa, Microsoft, others to headline DTN@100 national conversation

The Managing Director of Google Africa, Alex Okosi, and Microsoft’s Chief Growth and AI Officer for the Middle East and Africa, Olatomiwa Williams, are among five prominent industry leaders scheduled to headline the National Conversation at the Times Heroes Award, the flagship event of the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Centenary Celebration.

Other panellists are technology entrepreneur and Founding Partner of Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; media entrepreneur and storyteller, Chude Jideonwo; and Founder and Creative Director of Africa Soft Power Group, Nkiru Balonwu.

The National Conversation, themed ‘Shaping the Future’, is scheduled for Tuesday at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event will also be streamed live on ARISE TV at about 5 p.m., while tickets are available through MyLagosApp.

The discussion is expected to bring together perspectives from technology, media, business and the creative economy.

The conversations will centre on Nigeria’s next century, including innovation, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, youth development, and nation-building.

Mr Okosi, who has more than two decades of experience in the media, entertainment, and technology industries, previously held senior positions at Viacom International Media Networks and YouTube, where he worked to expand opportunities for African creators. At Google, he leads initiatives focused on digital access, innovation and business growth across the continent.

Ms Williams, also an experienced technology executive, has spent more than 20 years in information technology, digital transformation and business leadership.

She previously served as Country General Manager for Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana before assuming her current role, which focuses on growth and artificial intelligence initiatives across Microsoft’s Middle East and Africa Growth Markets. She also founded the Uzemi Technology Empowerment Initiative, which promotes women’s leadership in technology.

Mr Aboyeji is known for co-founding Andela and Flutterwave, two African technology companies that have attracted significant international investment. Through Future Africa, he supports and invests in African entrepreneurs developing solutions to challenges across the continent.

Mr Jideonwo, a lawyer, journalist, filmmaker and media entrepreneur, co-founded RED | For Africa, which built YNaija and The Future Awards Africa. He also hosts the interview platform #WithChude, where he explores personal experiences, resilience and transformation through conversations with public figures.

Ms Balonwu brings more than 25 years of experience spanning government, finance, technology, law, telecommunications and the creative industries. She founded Africa Soft Power Group, an initiative focused on strengthening Africa’s influence in global conversations around business, culture, investment and development.

Her work in the space dates back to 2017, when she established African Women on Board, an organisation focused on leadership, governance and women’s participation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she expanded the initiative through the Africa Soft Power Project, creating a platform that connects policymakers, business leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and creatives.

The project has since evolved into an annual international gathering, with previous editions held in Kigali, Rwanda, before moving to Nairobi, Kenya, in 2025. Its 2026 edition marks its seventh year.

Ms Balonwu has also served as chief executive officer of Spinlet, a music streaming platform, and was the inaugural lecturer in Gender and Law at the University of Lagos. She currently advises the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The National Conversation is described as the intellectual centrepiece of the DTN@100 Times Heroes Award, organised by Folio Communications.

It is expected to provide a platform for discussions on the opportunities and challenges that will shape Nigeria’s development over the next century.

The Times Heroes Award forms part of the activities marking 100 years of the Daily Times Nigeria, Africa’s oldest surviving newspaper, and its contribution to journalism and national development.