Binance sponsored Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Awareness Tour in Nigeria (BCAT) was organized by a crypto enthusiast. Security agents were apparently scared off by large numbers of those attending the event, according to reports. The enthusiast said the high number of people that attended the BCAT tour proves that Nigerians “want to continue to explore blockchain and cryptocurrency and improve their lives.”
Growing interest in crypto and blockchain technology by Nigeria
Tony Emeka (a Nigerian crypto and blockchain educator) has confirmed that security personnel who made an appearance at the Binance sponsored educational event he organised did not make him arrest as reported. He suggested that the massive crowds that attended the Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Awareness Tour (BCAT) Africa function, in volatile Southeast Nigeria, had unnerved security agents which prompted their search for the event’s organizer.
Emeka is the creator of Cryptotvplus and explained to security personnel the purpose of the event as well as the reasons why so many Nigerians attended it.
“We made them understand what we were doing. BCAT Africa was created to showcase Nigerians opportunities in digital spaces, particularly in blockchain and crypto industry. They were enthusiastic about our work. I wouldn’t say I was arrested,” explained Emeka.
Emeka also told Bitcoin.com News that the unexpectedly high number of people attending the BCAT Africa tour — over 7,000 people according to some estimates — showed that despite the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s directive of February 5, 2021, Nigerians are still very much interested in cryptocurrencies and their underlying technology, the blockchain. He added:
They are eager to acquire more knowledge and continue exploring blockchain and crypto to enhance their lives. CBN Directive of February 5, 2021 shocked many people. This directive made it hard to convert cryptocurrency to fiat for investors. However, P2P saved the day and has been the main means of converting crypto to fiat ever since.
Emeka acknowledged that CBN restrictions initially made it difficult for investors. However, he asserts that many Nigerians are now adapting well to this new reality. Still, Emeka said the Nigerian government must “remove the limitation.”
Interest beyond Cryptocurrencies
When asked if the BCAT Africa educational tour had been a success, Emeka said: “Yes! Emeka believes 100%. We actually did a quick ticking off of our list after the event to check if everything was accomplished. We were blown away by the results. We wanted to show Nigerians the things that are possible and within their reach, and we did.”
Chiagozie Iwu (CEO of Naijacrypto), a local cryptocurrency exchange said that Enugu’s large crowds are evidence that there is still interest in these currencies.
“The crowd I saw at the recently concluded Enugu BCAT shows that there is a strong enthusiasm among youths in the southeastern part of Nigeria to learn about blockchain. We have seen that the interest goes beyond cryptocurrencies but understanding how to build a career in the blockchain sector,” Iwu said.
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