Experts urge business executives, developers to embrace tech tools for growth

Practitioners Association of Nigeria has advised company executives, managers and software developers to adopt technology tools to drive business efficiency in the country.

The experts, who gathered at the yearly Agile Nigeria Conference in Lagos, agreed that before Nigeria could achieve its transformation agenda in both private and public sector of the economy, there is the need to adopt Agile methodology, which allows a paradigm shift towards an innovative and problem-solving mindset.

Driven by market needs, customer expectations, and evolving technological innovation, today’s constantly changing business environment is forcing companies to adapt their Agile models of management and corporate governance—or risk being left behind.

The practitioners said through its partners and members, the group was able to provide the opportunity that would allow organisations to connect with other industry leaders, and jointly share experiences and insights, helping all members and organisations to better navigate the emerging and complicated domain of business agility.

Speaking to The Guardian shortly after the conference, the Chief Executive Officer, The Agile Advisor Nigeria, Abiodun Osoba, gave practical examples of how businesses have been totally transformed and internationally recognised by Agile.

“I’ll give you a real-life story of a dressmaker who was transformed by Agile and now connects to customers from anywhere around the world. With our globally recognised partners, the professional body for business agility will help train and certify you to be able to work anywhere in the world,” Osoba said.

She said as the world is rapidly changing with emerging technologies, business owners and individuals needed to constantly upgrade their skills and knowledge to remain relevant in any industry across the world.

“The ability to quickly adapt is the lifeblood of modern enterprises, and our partnership with Agile professionals in Nigeria will complement our mission to help organisations innovate, improve productivity, and remain relevant in our rapidly changing world. Our membership will greatly benefit from this collaboration,” Osoba said.

A British citizen and motivational speaker, Mary Laniyan, who also spoke, said every organization requires agility and speed.

According to her, it is no longer a matter of size but rather creating a work environment that ensures psychological safety for everyone in order to elicit creativity, innovation and ideas. 

“The absence of an ideal workplace often leads to a culture of silence, which is quite destructive. Emotional intelligence must be high in order to get the best out of everyone as it is all about the mindset, quality of interactions and agility,” she said.