Social Media Week Report

The Social Media Week was one of the colourful events of February, 2015. The event tagged “Upwardly Mobile: The Rise of the Connected Class”, which held in six other cities, also held in Lagos from 23-27 February, 2015. It was a great time for professionals, artists, speakers, bloggers and the likes to gather together to discuss issues that affect their industries and share relevant information. It was a well-attended event which  mainly held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, as well as several other locations.There were many sessions covering different topics, such as blogging, legal issues, fashion, governance and social change, all focusing on the impact of technology, innovations and the media on every aspect of human lives. Apart from sessions on issues like technological impact on youths and entrepreneurs and video blogging, certain sessions got the social media buzzing and seats filled up.

These include #TheDigital Church which was hosted by the Elevation Church, Lekki, Lagos on 24 February. It was a notable event because it signified the church (howbeit one) making a statement about the importance of social media as a channel and tool in communicating with, influencing and reforming the environment. Speakers include Leke Alder, CEO, Alder Consulting (Keynote speaker); Pastor Godman Akinlabi, the lead pastor of The Elevation Church; Subomi Plumptre, Head, Corporate and Social Media Practices, Alder Consulting; and Adebowale Adediran, a reputable graphic designs expert. You can enjoy reading some of their brilliant presentations through the links below:

Leke Alder

Subomi Plumptre

Another notable event was the #SMWMusicDay, which kicked off with the #SMWInnovators Breakfast on 24 February and was powered by The Beat 99.9FM. The event opened up with a welcome address by stakeholders in the entertainment industry both home and abroad namely: Chris Ubosi, the Managing Director of the Beat 99.9 Fm and Briant Biggs, the Director of Mobile Strategy, Roc Nation. Also present and delivering a special address was Chief Edem Duke, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture & National Orientation. The stated purpose of the gathering was to consider the ‘vision and future for a better connected Upwardly Mobile Africa’[1].

Not forgetting the event that was a complete full house #TheBloggerTheLawAndTheBrand; a master class session on 25 February that was organized by @fozadoza and @olorisupergal. It was a triple-delight, having experts from three areas i.e Blogging, Law and Branding. Speakers in these areas were Osagie Alonge, Project lead at the Pulse Nigeria; Akinyemi Ayinoluwa a seasoned Nigerian Entertainment lawyer; and Franklin Ozekhome the founder of TINK Africa.

The session explored issues surrounding the blogging industry such as responsible blogging (responsible journalism), business opportunities and legal aspects in the operation of a blog. From the basics of starting and running a blog, to creating a niche in blogging and the ethics guarding this new industry, the Speaker on blogging, “Ósagz’’as he is popularly called, did justice to these areas. The Brand specialist, Frankiln, discussed business and branding strategies applicable to blogging and how to generate revenue from same through investments, advertisements and partnerships. The entertainment lawyer, Akinyemi educated the audience, majority of whom were bloggers, on their legal responsibilities and basic rights.

Here are some quotes from quotes from the event:

“Blogging is broadcasting, if it stops, it dies” - Osagie Alonge
“Even if you don’t make so much money at first, concentrate on growth” - Osagie Alonge
“Why do you want a blog? Who are you? What is your point of view?”- Franklin Ozekhome
“Determine the desired relationship between your customers and your products...Develop a name, distinct personality, character and reputation” - Franklin Ozekhome
“A blogger is assured of a successful enterprise if he carries on business without flouting the laws of the country he is domiciled.” – Akinyemi Ayinoluwa

“A blogger or media practitioner who scorns the law can be likened to a pedestrian who is addicted to Jay-walking in the dark; a crash is imminent.” – Akinyemi Ayinoluwa

The Social Media week was indeed full of enlightenment and knowledge and also was a great opportunity to network with a great number of professionals in the industry, after sessions and at several events organised such as the SMW Breakfast sessions. It is hoped that the 2016 and subsequent editions will be even better and that the industry experiences unprecedented growth and awareness of important issues and how to address them. 

About the Author:

Lola Agbaje-Williams is a Legal Practitioner who is passionate about Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law. You can contact her via her email address: lolaagbajewilliams@gmail.com or follow on her on Twitter: @lolawilliams02

[1] http://socialmediaweek.org/lagos/events/smwinnovators-breakfast-powered-by-beat-99-9fm-smwmusicday/