*Photo: Abdullah Mumuni*
Cross section of participants at the event *
“Our story begins with a realization that the world of technology knows no boundaries, and by uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, we can unlock a realm of endless possibilities.”
Introduction and Prayer
Bismillahi Rahman Raheem
Asalam Alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh.
Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah Robil Alameen.
We thank Almighty Allah for today, for sparing our lives from MTE 1.0 to MTE 2.0, for making us Muslim, and for counting us among the lucky ones to attend this event.
My name is Abdullah Mumuni Abu Sulaym, the chairman of the MTE 2.0 planning committee, and I’d like to officially welcome you all to the largest Muslim tech gathering in Nigeria.
Why MTE
When the idea for the Muslim Tech Expo started last year, thanks to our co-conveners Ibrahim Salami and Abdulsubor Abdulraheem, it wasn’t just about having any tech event. It was a vision. A place where Muslims could come together make life long connections that transcends the boundaries of the industry,also to learn from seasoned professionals, and still stay true to our Islamic values.
Vision and Mission
At the heart of MTE lies a profound mission: to promote the growth and success of Halal businesses while cultivating a vibrant ecosystem of innovation within the Muslim tech industry.
Our story begins with a realization that the world of technology knows no boundaries, and by uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, we can unlock a realm of endless possibilities.
Challenges
Of course, there were challenges. Some questioned why we needed a tech event specifically for Muslims. Others said it wouldn’t succeed, that we wouldn’t get support. But we didn’t want to be just any other tech event. We wanted to make a statement. And Alhamdulillah, we did. We made history last year, selling out tickets and bringing together over 700 Muslims for this purpose.
For this year
This year, by Allah’s Rahmah, we’ve gone bigger. From the larger hall location you see around you, to the carefully crafted panel sessions and virtual workshops set to take you on an intellectual jounrey , and now the first-ever MTE Hackathon, set to enable Muslims to develop innovative ideas to better the ummah.
As the theme of MTE 2.0 implies, we are on a mission to empower the next wave of innovators and trailblazers, who will put Muslims on the global map as forerunners in digital transformation, all while staying true to the teachings of the Quran and the Rosul (SAW).
Appreciation
Jazakum Lahu khyran to all of you, our attendees, whether you are here or still on the way, for being part of this movement. To our sponsors, partners, and exhibitors, for believing in our vision. To our incredible speakers, for sharing their wealth of knowledge. And to my team, for standing strong together and making all of this happen.
Let this day not just be about learning, but about action. Let us take what we gain here today and build, innovate, and elevate our ummah together, Insha’Allah.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the event, and we pray that Allah grants us the best of the dunya and the best of the akhirah.
Asalam Alaykum Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh.
*Abdullah Mumuni gave this welcome address on Sunday, 29th September 2024 at the opening of MTE 2.0, held at High Point Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos*
