Daser David

02/12/2025

Still humbled and deeply honored.

Last Sunday, I was recognized by Black Giant Signature at the African Giants Award in Abuja, under the inspiring theme "Celebrating Agents of Economic Growth and Social Advancement in Africa."

I received the award of Digital Giant of the Year 2025. A reminder that the work we do in technology, innovation, and human capital development truly matters.

I couldn’t be there in person, but my brother, Bar. Jonathan Plangzak, graciously represented me and conveyed my appreciation.

A heartfelt thank you to the organizers for this recognition. It fuels the passion to keep building, keep enabling, and keep pushing for a digitally empowered Africa.

02/12/2025

Young Africans do not need a visa to participate in the global economy. What they require are digital skills.

And in this arena, “talent now competes with talent, not nationality.” This is our single greatest opportunity and our most profound existential challenge.

No Visa Required: How Digital Skills Are Africa's Passport to Global Leadership

01/12/2025

Sharing the African Story while predicting the future…

28/11/2025

You too can share this post!!!

Just as we succeeded with tech in Plateau, these women are building a strong and vibrant community right here in Plateau State, a community united by a shared purpose. These are hardworking women who understand that if you want to go fast, you go alone, but if you want to go far, you go together.

I have followed their content closely online, and their energy, dedication, and zeal are truly inspiring. Their work reflects the kind of entrepreneurial spirit that any economy seeking growth must prioritize and intentionally support.

Just as we did with tech, when you patronize these women, you are making a meaningful contribution to entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic expansion.

Here are the details for the JBWC Trade Fair:

📍 Venue: Tamarald Event Center, Old Airport Road, Jos
📅 Dates: 29th & 30th
⏰ Time: 9:00 a.m. daily
🛍 Number of Vendors: Over 70 amazing vendors showcasing quality products, food, fashion, crafts, beauty items, home essentials, and so much more.

It’s going to be two days of shopping, networking, giveaways, and unforgettable experiences.
You don’t want to miss it!

25/11/2025

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Gerry Kemp, a Director at International Data Flows Nigeria Ltd., during his visit to the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI). His visit was aimed at strengthening the growing partnership between DBI and International Data Flows UK/Nigeria.

As many may recall, DBI and IDF recently signed an MOU focused on applying the OBASHI methodology as a strategic tool for mapping and modelling digital transformation, data privacy, and cross-border data flows.

During his tour, Mr. Kemp visited several of our facilities, including the AI and Robotics Labs. He expressed deep admiration for the modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure we have built—facilities capable of driving high-impact digital advancement across both private and public sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr. Kemp joined us from the IDF office in Glasgow, UK. International Data Flows utilizes a Digital-Aided Design (DAD) method to create digital models and simulations that show how people, processes, and technology assets connect and depend on one another. This framework, known as the OBASHI Methodology, makes it possible to visualize and analyse data flows, asset relationships, and system dependencies in a clear and collaborative way.

Our partnership holds great promise for Africa’s digital future, and we are excited for the many innovative outcomes ahead.

21/11/2025

Yesterday, I paid a visit to the Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, at the Abuja office, where we had a productive and detailed discussion.

19/11/2025

Yesterday, I had the privilege of leading my management team on a tour of the NCC MakerSpace facility in Abuja. The current leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission , under the guidance of Dr. Aminu Maida, continues to demonstrate exemplary commitment to repositioning the telecommunications sector.

The establishment of this MakerSpace signifies an important milestone, as it enhances Nigeria’s capacity to support local researchers, innovators, and product developers along the Research-to-Market continuum. The Commission’s bold efforts to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem are commendable.

The Digital Bridge Institute remains a proud partner in this endeavour, and DBI will continue to collaborate closely with the NCC to achieve this shared objective and advance the broader national innovation agenda.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Executive Vice Chairman for his visionary leadership.

10/11/2025

HackJos2025

10/11/2025

🚀 10 Years Ago, I Took a Risk… and It Changed Everything.

About 10 years ago, I made a bold decision — to leave behind a lucrative consultancy role with the Nigerian Air Force and return home to Jos, my hometown. The very city that shaped me, inspired me, and gave me everything.

I still remember sharing this decision with someone very close to me, Danja Dafwam Yaks (for those of you who do not know how far we have come with Danja). Out of genuine concern, he said to me:

"Daser, I want you to come back to Jos, but I’m worried. A lot of ICT companies are closing down and relocating from Jos. What are you coming to do differently? Are you sure about this?"

I honestly can’t recall what I told him that day (Yakubu can share that in the comments 😄), but one thing I knew for sure — I was ready to take the risk.

Not long after returning to Jos, I wanted to test if the city was ready for a tech conversation. So, in 2015, I organized the first-ever hackathon by a private individual in Jos — what would later be known as HackJos.

We gathered young, passionate minds from different places, lodged them in Fajib Hotel, and for 3 to 4 days, we lived, thought, and built together. The idea was simple:

👉 Bring young people together.
👉 Challenge them to identify local problems.
👉 Use technology to solve them.

At the end of those intense days, teams pitched their ideas to a panel of judges.
That moment sparked something special — the birth of a tech movement in Plateau State.

Many of those early participants became the first generation of developers at nHub — the heroes of tech in our region. And just six months later, nHub — the first innovation hub in Northern Nigeria — was born.

HackJos soon became an annual event, attracting participants from across Nigeria. We ran it successfully for several years until the world paused during the COVID period.

Today, I’m proud to announce that HackJos is back! 🎉

The 2025 edition comes with the theme:

🔥 “Igniting MSME Growth Through Innovation.”

This year, we’re challenging participants to build meaningful Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that demonstrate innovation, usability, and scalability within selected thematic areas.

Starting today, about 24 developers will gather for 3 days of creativity, collaboration, and co-creation — all dedicated to solving real-world problems that impact businesses and communities.

Join me this Wednesday, November 12th, at Fox Hotel, Jos, by 9:00 AM, as our teams take the stage to present their groundbreaking solutions — the outcome of three days of innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving!

If you’d love to witness this story continue — a story that started with faith, sacrifice, and vision — join me.

Sign up below and send me a DM to confirm your attendance by clicking and registering at:

https://www.hackjos.com.ng/register

Special appreciation to our amazing partners, especially GIZ, for playing a platinum role in making this year’s event possible — and to all our sponsors and supporters who keep the dream alive.

HackJos is not just an event — it’s a legacy.

And this year, the fire burns again. 🔥

Legends:
Daser Retnan
Theodore Longji
Bashir Sheidu
Dakadieng Ayuba Adams
Jan James Tujay
Nnamdi Ibe
Nanichang Katzin
Chukwudi Theodore
Nenrot Danjuma
Segun Oruame .... and others

05/11/2025

Press Statement:

Birthday: DBI CEO,David Daser Celebrate Quintessential Leader Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, OON, PhD

On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), I heartily felicitate with you, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, OON, PhD, distinguished Member of the House of Representatives representing Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam Federal Constituency, and Chairman, House Committee on Navy, on the occasion of your birthday.

As one of your constituents, I take immense pride in celebrating a leader whose trajectory embodies vision, resilience, and purposeful representation. Your unwavering dedication to the welfare of our people and your fearless advocacy for good governance have continued to distinguish you as a rare gem in Nigeria’s democratic space.

Your exemplary leadership style, anchored on accessibility, accountability, and genuine concern for your people, has brought renewed confidence to the idea of public service.

At DBI, we recognize and celebrate your continued commitment to youth empowerment, education, and institutional development, values that align deeply with our mission.

May this new year of your life usher in greater wisdom, divine health, and unprecedented accomplishments as you keep raising the bar of leadership for our constituency and our nation.

Congratulations once again, Rt. Hon. Gagdi, and happy birthday!

David Daser
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Digital Bridge Institute (DBI)

04/11/2025

I’m honored to be invited as the Convocation Lecturer at Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State, during the institution’s 4th - 7th Convocation Ceremonies.

I’ll be speaking on “Africa’s Digital Destiny: Building Human Capital for a Connected Future” on

Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

I look forward to engaging students, faculty, and guests as we explore how Africa can harness its greatest asset - its people - to shape a truly connected future.

31/10/2025

I want to sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love - the phone calls, messages, and emails from well-wishers across the world. I missed some calls due to the sheer number coming in, and I apologize for that. To those whose messages I couldn’t respond to, please understand — the volume was simply overwhelming.

To everyone who celebrated in my absence in Jos, those who visited orphanages in commemoration of my day, those who joined me in Abuja for the celebration, those who sponsored the celebration and those who even composed and rendered special songs in my honour - I say a heartfelt thank you.

My special appreciation goes to Distinguished Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Kefiano, Isaac Balami, the APC National Party Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda for his prayers, the entire staff of the Digital Bridge Institute, and the Governors, Senators, and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives who not only called but also took time to meet and personally wish me a happy birthday.

To the wonderful people of Plateau State, my family and well wishers all over the world, thank you for your love, support, and prayers - you made me feel truly celebrated.

Above all, I give thanks to God Almighty for preserving my life and sustaining me with His grace.

You all made 42 feel like a vibrant 24! 🎉