As the world marks Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), tech entrepreneurs and industry leaders are doubling their commitment to making the digital world more inclusive.
This annual observance, celebrated every third Thursday in May, aims to raise awareness about digital access and inclusion.
At the event, Asma’u Abdullahi, convener of the conference and executive director of Slumtech, a FinTech firm, said, “This is an avenue for everyone in the FinTech sector to thrive, connect, and explore opportunities.”
She highlighted Slumtech’s efforts to support rural communities and encourage more female participation in tech, noting the organisation’s plans for ongoing mentorship through courses and clubs.
Also speaking, Eric Obianozie, founder of 24 Telemed, a healthcare startup providing telemedicine services to remote areas, shared his experiences with the challenges of introducing technology to underserved regions.
“When we launched 24 Telemed in Anambra and Kaduna, we encountered serious resistance,” Obianozie said.
He expressed optimism that initiatives like GAAD could help demystify technology and promote its acceptance as a tool for better healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
Jakpo Ukueku, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Rayven Strategic Communication Limited, underscored the knowledge gap in Nigeria’s tech space.
“A lot of people in the tech space are not just held back by infrastructure but by a lack of information,” Ukueku said.
As GAAD continues to inspire conversations around digital inclusivity, the tech community is being urged to prioritise accessibility as a fundamental part of innovation, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
