“We … discussed the importance of connecting people, especially in parts of the world without internet access”, Zuckerberg posted on his personal Facebook profile after the meeting.
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Zuckerberg, is now in Nigeria for the first time to check out how Facebook works there and how it can be improved.
During their conversation today, Mr. Zuckerberg stressed that he was in the country to promote faster and more affordable internet connectivity, wi-fi, and other tech innovations to “help people create online businesses and reduce poverty”.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday commended the Co-founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg for inspiring Nigerian youths through his visit. Jollof rice and shrimps, delicious; and the pounded yam, my friend said: “‘You have to eat it with one hand, ‘ and I said: “‘Come on, I just got here; let me do it with two hands.’ So I reached for it, got a piece of meat, and, my God, it was awesome”.
Zuckerberg told Buhari he was pleased he had the chance to interact with youths at an internet centre in the neighbourhood of Yaba, Lagos, where most of the Nigerian start ups are based. Although Mark is among the world’s richest men, he does not dress lavishly or engage in impulsive spending.
He said “we are not used to seeing successful people appear like you; we are not used to seeing successful people jogging and sweating on the streets”.
“I don’t think Facebook makes a lot of money from Africa as such, but I know many people in Africa are doing business using Facebook in terms of e-commerce”, Katchwanya said.
“Fortunately, we have developed other technologies like Aquila that will connect people as well”, Zuckerberg said.
Idris Ayodeji -Bello, an “afropreneur” and Angel investor from Nigeria, said, “Mark’s visit was a much needed external validation of the sweat and vast efforts, mostly unsung, of the young Nigerians who have kept at it. I was blown away by their talent and the level of energy that I saw”.
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Zuckerberg said he was in the country to promote the penetration of “fast and cheap” internet connectivity, Express-wifi, that would help people create online businesses and reduce poverty.
