Denis Opudo
The just-concluded Social Media Week #SMWLAGOS2018 allowed Taxify management to shine light on innovation in the continent. Taxify emphasized why the continent needs more innovations to advance. The theme of the event was Innovating at the edge of innovation – Growing startups in an avant-garde sector and various personalities attended it.
Adenike Oyetunde, the broadcaster of Nigeria Info FM chaired the panel of renowned personalities. The common thing with the personalities is that they have innovated something in an organization. Some of the people present included Uche Okafor and Nonso Onwuzulike who are the Operations Managers of Taxify, Femi Akin-Laguda, the supply lead of Taxify, Olaotan Towry Coker the CEO of Afritickets and Akin Adegoke, ALAT’s Head of Partnerships
The session began with Femi Akin-Laguda talking about the problems that startups encounter in the Nigerian market. He pointed out that one can’t bring a solution which is viable in another country to Nigeria. Moreover, he said that different products and services have to adopt to the country and its citizens.
Taxify has been offering ride-sharing services in Nigeria since 2016 and currently operates in 35 cities globally. The startup wants to be the leading players in ride-sharing space and their apps can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices.
Uche Okafor discussed the vital role that data plays in innovation. He emphasized that data-driven decisions help different organizations in meeting the customers’ demands. Moreover, he said the move helps entrepreneurs to identify the market and its needs.
Akin Adegoke also spoke on the importance of regulations and the subsequent impact on inventive industries. He said that according to ALAT’s partnership, they view that some industries still want to follow traditional ways. He cited banking industries which he perceived to be reluctant in adopting digital banking in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
Olaotan Towry Coker gave the three marketing tips for innovative enterprises in Nigeria. He said that these startups should first utilize the use of social media. Besides, they should find out the best channel to reach their audience then use media for brand selling and narrative. He also said that such startups should have a divisive brand personality.
