Future belongs to nations with tech-ready youth — NITDA
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Inuwa, has urged youths to leverage the growing digital transition to build innovations. The DG stated this during the 2025 edition of the Lagos Future Conference, theme ‘Future-Forward – Harnessing the Power of Youth, Innovation, and Technology for National Economic Growth”. The DG, […]
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The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Inuwa, has urged youths to leverage the growing digital transition to build innovations.
The DG stated this during the 2025 edition of the Lagos Future Conference, theme ‘Future-Forward – Harnessing the Power of Youth, Innovation, and Technology for National Economic Growth”.
The DG, represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management & Partnership, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, said that Nigeria’s true wealth lies not in natural resources, but in its human capital, particularly within “classrooms, co-working spaces, and innovation hubs.
He cited the remarkable achievement of Nigerian startups, which attracted over $1.2 billion in venture capital funding in 2024, showcasing the “audacity to dream, to build, to reimagine” prevalent among young Nigerians.
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The CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, represented by Prince Ajibade Ayeni Omobalufon, described identity as the key to opening doors, breaking barriers, and creating pathways to future growth and development.
She cited the NIMC’s partnership with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying it created job opportunities through the NIMC Entrepreneurship System as tangible examples of how digital identity is empowering youth.
President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, represented by Deputy National President, Dr. Charles Onyeukwu, advocated for greater empowerment of young people to counteract the “japa syndrome” – the increasing emigration of skilled professionals.
He urged collective efforts to provide “Meaningful avenues for the young people to express their dreams” within Nigeria.
The convener, President of DigiVation Network, Dr. Bayero Agabi, underscored the conference’s theme as perfectly encapsulating “The spirit of innovation, progress, and collective endeavours that define Nigerians.”
He raised alarm over the threats to digital citizenship, stating that “Online Cyber Responsibility is a must to protect intellectual property rights, among other concerns.
He stressed that upholding national values, respecting cultural norms, and protecting national security are integral to responsible online behaviour.