by: Eresaba Emmanuel
In a dynamic convergence of minds and innovation, the Aspire Alumni Event in Lagos, sponsored by Access Bank, proved to be an afternoon of insightful discourse and
forward-looking perspectives. Held at a prestigious venue, the event welcomed esteemed economist Hossein Alidaee as its special guest, drawing in alumni from across the city for an evening that promised intellectual nourishment and networking opportunities. The recent Aspire Alumni Event in Lagos, sponsored by Access Bank, was a resounding
success, with a special guest appearance by economist Hossein Alidaee.
Hossein, currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Business School, shared valuable insights from his research on barriers to technology adoption in agriculture. With a Ph.D. in Managerial Economics and Strategy from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Hossein’s expertise shed light on the skepticism surrounding new technology adoption in farming. His research revealed that less than 5% of farms are hesitant to embrace new technology. “Many are accustomed to sourcing information through social networks, but these channels often lack the precision and reliability needed,” Alidaee emphasized, during his presentation particularly when government involvement is a factor. “My research seeks to bridge this gap by designing targeted questions that address the inherent uncertainties and biases prevalent in social networking,” he said.
Hossein’s work emphasized the need to address the gaps created by social networking in accessing reliable information about new agricultural technology. His presentation sparked meaningful discussions among the alumni community, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making in the agricultural sector.
The event provided a platform for alumni to engage with Hossein’s research, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in technology adoption within the agricultural landscape. Aspire Institute’s commitment to facilitating such insightful discussions continues to empower its alumni with valuable knowledge and networking opportunities. Alumni attending the event expressed enthusiasm for Alidaee’s approach, which blends cutting-edge economic theory with practical implications for agricultural innovation in Nigeria. “It was enlightening to hear how research can pinpoint where traditional methods fall short,” remarked one attendee, reflecting the sentiment shared by many in the audience.
The afternoon wasn’t just about theoretical frameworks; it was also a celebration of community
and collaboration. Alumni had the opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas, and forge new
partnerships that promise to drive future initiatives in business and technology across Africa
This event underscores Aspire Institute’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity
and pushing the boundaries of knowledge,” commented a representative from Access
Bank, highlighting the bank’s dedication to supporting educational initiatives that empower local communities. As the event concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to leveraging insights from the evening’s discussions to effect positive change in their respective fields.
The Aspire Alumni Event in Lagos was more than a gathering; it was a testament to the power of ideas and the transformative impact of collaborative thinking. As attendees departed, they carried with them not only new knowledge but also a collective aspiration to pioneer innovation and drive progress in Nigeria’s evolving landscape.
