Tech and development experts have emphasised the urgent need to create an enabling environment for young Nigerians to lead technological innovation.
This was the central focus at the ngTeenCyberFest 2024 held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, organized by the Child Protection Initiative Against Cyber Crime (C-C Pro).
The event, themed “From Ideas to Impact: Fostering Innovation in the Age of AI,” brought together key stakeholders to discuss youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
Experts agree that early exposure to digital skills is essential for building teamwork, reducing unemployment, and driving technological advancements that can spur economic growth.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Nasarawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (NASITDEA), Haruna Sani underscored the importance of leveraging the internet to create solutions rooted in Nigerian culture and values.
Morenikeji Ayodele Aniye, CEO of Hotspot Network Limited, echoed the sentiment that young Nigerians have a natural inclination for online exploration and innovation.
With 60% of Nigeria’s 220 million people under the age of 35, experts emphasized that investing in the digital talents of the youth is critical for the nation’s future.
The Chairman of UNICCON Group, Dr. Chuks Ekueme, stated that impactful innovation starts with ideas, while Olawale Owoeye, CEO of Cedarview Communications Limited, encouraged young minds to harness their creativity to address Nigeria’s challenges.
Despite the potential of the digital world, experts also highlighted the dangers of the internet, such as cyberbullying and inappropriate content.
According to Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the same skills used in online crimes can be redirected towards solving developmental challenges.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), warned students about the risks of unauthorized access to sensitive information.
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Additionally, the President of the Digital Bridge Institute, Mr. Daser David, advocated for comprehensive strategies, including legislative amendments and improved online safety measures.
Meanwhile, NIGCOMSAT’s CEO, Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, emphasized the importance of harnessing the internet’s creative potential among young people.
Represented by Aishatu Bantam, NIGCOMSAT’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Egerton-Idehen highlighted the need to focus on innovation and digital growth.
Similarly, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, reiterated the agency’s commitment to promoting safe internet use among youth. Through strategic partnerships, NITDA has heavily invested in creating a conducive digital environment for young Nigerians to thrive, said Abdullahi.
He was represented by Yau Isa Garba, of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), a subsidiary of NITDA.
The convener of the event and CEO of C-C Pro, Delmwa Gogwim, noted that “The festival serves as a stepping stone for the next generation of digital leaders, equipping them with the tools to thrive in the cyber world while ensuring their safety and responsible participation.”
The festival featured a hackathon involving students from schools across Abuja, including Government Science and Technology College (GSTC) Garki and GSTC Kwali.
Team D (Techlords) emerged as winners for their innovative app designed to help children acquire job skills through career guidance based on their interests.
The event also included a fireside chat, where students like Abdul Dimka Abdullahi and Aklo E. Sabo discussed both the opportunities and risks of the digital world.
The ngTeenCyberFest 2024 provided a platform for students to develop problem-solving skills and foster an understanding of cybersecurity, setting the stage for a brighter, more innovative future for Nigeria.
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