Viral video: The instant NEPA cut the power while Kunle Afolayan was discussing ideas with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in Nigeria 🇳🇬
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The unexpected power outage couldn't have come at a more inopportune moment. Renowned Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, was in the middle of a brainstorming session with none other than Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, at a high-profile innovation conference in Lagos, Nigeria. The two visionaries were deep in conversation, exchanging ideas on how to leverage technology to drive social and economic change in Africa.
As they sat on stage, surrounded by a packed audience of entrepreneurs, developers, and social media enthusiasts, the lights suddenly flickered and then went out. The crowd gasped in unison, and for a moment, there was an awkward silence. Kunle Afolayan, known for his quick wit and humor, couldn't resist the opportunity to poke fun at the situation. "Well, I guess this is what they mean by 'going dark' on social media," he quipped, eliciting a chuckle from the audience.
Mark Zuckerberg, however, remained unfazed, his eyes fixed intently on Kunle Afolayan as he continued to speak, undeterred by the sudden loss of power. "As I was saying, Mark, the key to unlocking Africa's digital potential lies in creating platforms that are tailored to the unique needs and challenges of our continent," Kunle Afolayan said, his voice rising above the murmurs of the crowd.
The brief power outage, courtesy of Nigeria's notorious power utility company, NEPA, couldn't have been more symbolic. It was a poignant reminder of the infrastructural challenges that still plague many African countries, hindering their ability to fully participate in the global digital economy. Yet, as the lights flickered back to life, it was clear that the gathering of innovators and thought leaders was not about to let a little thing like a power outage deter them from their mission to drive positive change.
The video of the incident, which has since gone viral, has sparked a lively debate about the role of technology in Africa's development and the need for more investments in critical infrastructure. As one commentator aptly put it, "If NEPA can take the light, we can take the challenge." The hashtag #TakeTheChallenge has been trending on social media, with many calling for greater collaboration between governments, private sector companies, and civil society organizations to address the continent's energy and digital infrastructure deficits.
In the end, the power outage became an unexpected catalyst for a more meaningful conversation about Africa's future. As Kunle Afolayan and Mark Zuckerberg continued their discussion, it was clear that the real power lay not in the lights, but in the ideas and innovations that could transform the continent.