The conventional approach to societal discourse on technology, finance, and personal development was challenged at the “Beyond Convention” conference hosted by tech educator and social influencer Eric Gugua in Lagos.
The event explored critical conversations around issues that shape society, drawing over 3,000 attendees ready to navigate areas of human interaction on technology, finance, and personal development.
In his welcome address, Eric positioned the event as a platform for discussions that move past common understanding. He described “Beyond Convention” as “the first of its kind,” designed to explore foundational issues.
He emphasised a need for conversations around faith, technology, personal development, and careers, noting these topics are central to society. Without a deeper understanding of these areas, individuals and communities may continue to face the same obstacles.
“We are doing this because they are foundational issues in society, and if we don’t understand, we will continue to experience the same thing we experience. It’s important to note that these conversations are beyond these topics. The basics are to discuss beyond the normal level of what we see them to be,” Eric said.
He expressed a goal for the discussions to be interactive, focusing on correcting inaccuracies rather than simply providing entertainment.
“One of our goals is to make this discussion as interactive as possible. We feel the need to correct the abnormalities rather than entertain. If a society is to progress, we need to entertain concepts we disagree with and challenge our ideologies,” Eric noted.
The Beyond Convention Conference was tailored to engage a diverse and impactful audience, including college students, young professionals, experts in technology and personal finance, and visionary leaders committed to shaping the future.
The event offered a distinctive blend of inspiring keynote speeches, stimulating panel discussions, and unparalleled networking prospects.
Eric’s “Beyond Convention” hosted stars across entertainment and tech
Keynote speakers and roundtable guests of the event included Michael Sani Amanesi (Mc Lively), Salem King, Kagan, Hertz Fauzan, Egemba Chinoso Fidelis (Aproko Doctor), and Dr. Tochukwu MacFoy.
Other speakers at the breakout session were Nnenna Kayode-Lawal, a certified executive and transformation coach; Ziora Okwor-Wewan, a powerhouse in corporate law; Adenike Ruth Adesegun, a business strategist and storyteller; Scott Eneje, a legend in Nigeria’s tech space; and Victoria Ogbujah, CEO of CVO Consulting.
Kagan, one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in tech, addressed the complex relationship between humanity and the digital world under the topic “Reclaiming our humanity in a digital age” in his keynote speech.
He explored the concept of emotional intelligence in a digital world, with a focus on human creativity.
“The human behind the screen needs to stay connected to their creativity instead of relying so much on artificial intelligence. Don’t rely so much on ChatGPT instead of doing the work. Be very mindful of how digital tools influence you. Find the right way to use them, like for structuring and shaping discipline, not as an idol,” he said.
Kagan also raised concerns about the misuse of digital platforms, saying, “So many people use their social media influence to push people into doing something they don’t want to do. Be mindful of what you choose to invest in. Time is a luxury. You can either suffer through discipline or regret wasting time. Be conscious of how you use your time.”
The conference continued to foster thought-provoking discussions with another compelling address from Hertz Fauzan, a global tech enthusiast and philosopher, whose speech, titled “Success without God,” offered a unique perspective on achievement and its connection to the divine.
Fauzan challenged a common perception, stating, “Most people use God as a tool for success, but in the end, they neglect God in the process. Success is deliberate construction and divine intervention. Success with God’s intervention requires vessels.”
He elaborated on the partnership between the divine and human effort, stating that “God serves the ideas, but humans do the executions. You need to clarify what you want/your vision and work towards it. Once defined, you need to develop your skills, have discipline, and be consistent.”
Fauzan then linked value creation to financial reward, asserting, “Money is a paper representation of value. People will pay you for the value you provide. Be valuable.”
The event’s ability to foster a community dedicated to challenging norms and seeking deeper understanding stands as a testament to the collective vision shared by everyone who gathered.
Written by Ifeoluwa Adebayo
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