By AbdulQudus Abiola Ojomo
* Our world is now being governed by tech: Al-Asfar
* Muslims must learn, unlearn, relearn for nation-building: Balogun
* We must prepare for future of technology, VC Summit University
The Ruby Hall, Zone Tech Park, Gbagada area of Lagos, Southwest, Nigeria was a scene to behold on Sunday, November 12 as hundreds of Muslim professionals in the tech industry and tech enthusiasts met and connected at the maiden edition of the ‘Muslim Tech Expo’, MTE 1.0.
The Tech Expo featured which five panel sessions and one workshop also included exhibitions from companies, such as Stecs, Dhikr posters, Cowrywise, Marble Capital and Halalvest, among others who showcased their halal products.
Muslim News gathered that the event started with a panel session titled: ‘Digital detox: using technology mindfully to maintain personal and spiritual growth’.
Panellists at this session include the immediate former SSA to the Lagos State Governor on Science and Technology, Mr Saheed Balogun; AAOIFI certified Sharia Advisor, Ustadh AbdulKabir Nasir Al-Asfar; founder of Spa pampering at Home, Oyekemi Bawa-Allah and a social media expert, Zuliat Ibraheem.
Speaking on how digital detox can enhance Muslims’ connectivity with Allah, Ustadh Al-Asfar stated that ‘Digital detox refers to a period in which an individual refrains from using electronic devices and breaks dependence on technology’.
According to him, social media actually buys something from us, although they are said to be free, they buy our attention and in Islam, our time is very essential. So, we should use our social media and technology, but not at the expense of ibaadah (worship).
On his part, Mr Balogun noted that digital detox can be achieved by going deep into what we found (useful) instead of searching for more things (on the internet).
While concluding the session, Ms Zuliat Ibraheem noted that Muslims should not be discussing digital detox in children less than age 16.
She said “A child less than age 16 should not digital detox, such children should rather be restricted to the use of digital devices and social media. They should not even have social media handles.”
Our world is now being governed by tech: Al-Asfar
Al-Asfar, who later spoke with Muslim News on the sidelines of the event, commended the organisers for bringing together Muslim professionals to connect and address digital detoxification.
He said, “I am impressed with this kind of gathering, where you see Muslims come around and discuss issues of this nature. It shows that we are not outside the development drive in the world. This is the trajectory of the world, we are not just in the digital age, we are now in the AI age, so seeing Muslims represented is a thing of joy”
The Directior Al Mudawwanah consultant added “Our world is now being governed by tech. Our banking, our da’wah, and even acts of worship such as our salat. So, we can do a lot of things as Muslims in tech. We can offer finances that can be devoid of haram (among others).
“If we say Nigeria is not a Muslim country, but hypothetically about half of its population are Muslims, that’s about 100 million people, a huge customer base. So, there’s a lot to do for the Muslims; finance, healthcare, everything, just think about it. So, this is an avenue for Muslims to come together, and rub minds for the good of the ummah.”
Muslims must learn, unlearn, relearn for a better nation: Balogun
Also speaking with the Muslim News correspondent, Mr Balogun, an IT consultant and former SSA to the Lagos State Governor on Science and Technology emphasised the importance of the event to Muslims.
He said “It’s an awakening (to Muslims), to take up their responsibilities and take action to make themselves better. To live a healthier life and a purpose-driven technological life.”
When asked what should be the roles of Muslims in the tech industry, he responded, “Muslims are just part of the people in the tech space, so it is what others are doing that we should do. But, of course, with our goal set to make better families and a better nation. We need to learn, unlearn, relearn and improve on what we do for a better nation.”
Muslims must prepare for future, Keynote speaker
Keynote addresses on the topic: “Connected and Centered: Finding Harmony between Faith and Tech”, were delivered by Prof. Musa Aibinu (the Vice-Chancellor of Summit University, Offa) and Mr. Femi Balogun (CEO of PayVantage).
While speaking virtually, Prof. Aibinu urged Muslim professionals to prepare for the future.
Prof. Aibinu, who is an expert in mechatronics and artificial intelligence (AI) said the world is now in the 4th industrial revolution which includes a list of transformative technologies that Muslim professionals should leverage.
He highlighted some of the technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), Big Data, Blockchain, 3D printing, FinTech, and IoT, among others.
He said Muslims cannot be left behind and we should be prepared for the future. Rhetorically, Professor Aibinu asked, “How prepared are you for 2030?”
Other speakers at the event included Mr Razaq Ahmed, co-founder and CEO of Cowrywise; Mr Kazeem Noibi, a seasoned engineer and Tech Lead; Mr Sheriff Bakare, founder/CEO of Yalla.ng; Ms Iresalewa Muhammad-Bello, founder of Nimah Andre Foundation, amongst others.
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