Experts in the technology space have called on Nigerian youths to leverage emerging technologies in addressing Africa’s socio-economic challenges.
They also urged young innovators to adopt bold and creative thinking, noting that building successful enterprises requires courage and vision.
The call was made at the third edition of the Ibadan Tech Expo, held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre, Oyo State.
The event, sponsored by OHMOBILITY in partnership with the Oyo State Government, CcHub, and several other local and international tech organisations, brought together technology experts, entrepreneurs, investors, students, and innovators to share insights on new technological trends.
It also provided a platform for startups to showcase their products and ideas.
At the event, OHMOBILITY won multiple awards of excellence, while DNIPAY emerged as Startup of the Year.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “The Future Belongs to the Bold Thinkers,” Tim Cookey-Gam, Principal at Partech VC, said it remains challenging to build enterprises in Africa due to infrastructural gaps.
He, however, encouraged youths to take bold steps in developing solutions that address local and global problems.
He emphasized that technology is the driving force of the future, adding that all sectors of human endeavour increasingly depend on it.
Cookey-Gam also advised young Nigerians not to be limited by geography, noting that innovation can emerge from any part of the country.
Also speaking, Claire Lavielle, Economic Analyst at the French Embassy in Nigeria, expressed optimism about the country’s tech ecosystem.
She commended Nigerian youths for their innovation and resilience, adding that it is only a matter of time before they match their counterparts in developed nations.
Lavielle reaffirmed the French government’s commitment to supporting Nigerian youth in various technology-driven initiatives.
During panel sessions, experts from different industries discussed the importance of combining technical and soft skills to thrive in the modern workforce.
They also stressed the need for Nigeria’s education system to shift from theory-based learning to practical, hands-on training that prepares students for real-world challenges.
In his goodwill message, Amofin Beulah Adeoye, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), commended the organiser, Mr Danjuma, for creating the Ibadan Tech Expo, describing it as a springboard for future technological innovations.
He urged participants to remain focused, resilient, and committed to their dreams, noting that many world-changing ideas initially appear insignificant.
Also speaking, Dr Temidayo Oniosun, CEO of Space in Africa, who gained recognition for sending egusi (melon) seeds into space through a NASA programme, praised the remarkable achievements of Nigerian youths in the technology space, particularly in finance, logistics, and workspace development.
However, he cautioned against oversaturation in these areas and encouraged aspiring innovators to explore underdeveloped but vital sectors that could significantly impact human development.
