Young Nigerians Challenged to Embrace Innovation
Young Nigerians have been encouraged to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies as powerful tools for creating jobs, solving societal challenges and driving the country’s economic transformation.
The call was made by government officials, technology experts and business leaders, who stressed that Nigeria’s youthful population remains one of its greatest assets if equipped with the right skills, mindset and opportunities. They urged young people to move beyond seeking employment and focus on building enterprises that can compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Speaking at separate youth development and technology events, stakeholders highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering and digital innovation in shaping the future of work. They noted that the next generation of entrepreneurs must embrace creativity, problem-solving and technology to develop solutions to real-life challenges across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, finance and manufacturing.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, urged young Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities in AI and robotics, describing digital innovation as a critical pathway to economic growth and national development. He said the country’s future competitiveness will depend largely on the ability of its young people to harness technology and transform ideas into sustainable businesses.
Similarly, cybersecurity expert and Technical Director at Beyond Binary Consulting, Canada, Obaseun Awoyinfa, challenged students and aspiring innovators to use engineering and technological innovation to address Nigeria’s developmental needs. According to him, innovation should not merely be viewed as technological advancement but as a practical approach to solving everyday problems and improving lives.
Industry experts also encouraged young entrepreneurs to cultivate resilience, continuously acquire digital skills and collaborate across disciplines to unlock new opportunities. They noted that access to mentorship, funding and innovation hubs is expanding, making it easier for ambitious young Nigerians to launch startups and scale their ideas.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its digital economy, stakeholders believe that investing in innovation-driven entrepreneurship will not only reduce unemployment but also position the country as a leading technology and startup hub in Africa. They urged young people to seize the moment by transforming their ideas into impactful businesses capable of creating lasting economic and social value.
