To preempt the 30th call and 100th message. Yes, I saw Zuckerberg. In Aso Villa, Abuja. No opportunities to picture. No space for conversations.
After the event, I saw first hand “big” men & women jumping stool to take picture. I even used my hand to block the CEO of a multi national who wanted to squeeze through. “Guy, calm down” I said to him 😂😂
The good thing about Aso Rock especially when a bigger man is around is, it becomes neutral ground. Men whose subordinates you’d happily wait hours to see become your equals.
After a while though, my guy signalled to me and we left the rowdiness.
Zuckerberg looked REALLY uncomfortable in the setting of politicians and was overheard saying “can we leave now? “.
Contrast that with the Lagos crowd where “small boys and girls” had great access and respect interacting with him. He felt quite comfortable with fellow comrades.
He clearly prioritizes the startup crowd. Which is good. Very good.
Watching politicians and “big” people scramble to associate with a 32 year old boy they would not have allowed to blossom here in Nigeria filled me with shame and joy at the same time.
Then I realised that these people still do not get it. The young man they adore had subtly given a nod to where he knows the future lies. Iyin told them to their faces but they still cannot get it. A retired bank CEO would still be struggling to be the next Zuckerberg 😂.
Anyway, this long note is to explain to my many friends who somehow are sad they did not see me with Zuckerberg. Though I don’t get it, I really tried to get a selfie for y’all but it was just too rowdy. No be because person wan chop meat e go begin dey call cow broda.
Finally, tech is where the new power is if it was not clear before, it is now and I’ll keep trying to do my bit to ensure we get it.
I have to give a nod to Bosun, Femi and team who have built Cc Hub, which I believe singular most important factor that crystallized our techosystem.
PS: We will still address what we REALLY think of Mark’s visit to Nigeria.. sorry Sub saharan Africa, let us first milk and savor the benefits. There is a time and place for everything. besides, I am a criticism break.