Nigeria’s digital economy holds the key to economic transformation, job creation, and national security, and the youth must lead the charge, stakeholders declared at a high-level seminar focused on powering the nation through advanced information technology.
Mr. Emmanuel John Kadiya, representative of Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, described the urgent need for youths in Karu, Keffi, and Kokona Federal Constituency to embrace digital innovation as a pathway to national development.
Speaking over the weekend as Chairman of the Occasion at the Association of Applied Information Management Professionals (AAIMP) Seminar themed “Powering Nigeria’s Digital Economy: Through Advanced Information Management Paradigms”, Hon. Gbefwi described digital transformation as “the bridge between today’s challenges and tomorrow’s prosperity.”
According to him, “For Nigeria to thrive in the global digital economy, our young people must lead the charge by mastering information management and leveraging technology to create opportunities locally and internationally.”
He delivered an impassioned message to young Nigerians: “You will save Nigeria. Technology is already fixing revenue leakages and transforming infrastructure. We must move from building Nigerian products to creating global solutions. With a smartphone, you can establish a business worth N250 million.”
In a keynote address, Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the Command and Control Centre, FCT Administration, emphasized the global shift from traditional economies to digital systems.
“The future of any nation’s economy is digital,” he said. “Nigeria has already keyed in with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. Our youth are naturally positioned to drive this transformation.”
He stressed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, digital platforms kept the world afloat. “That was a glimpse into the power of the digital economy. For Nigeria to maximize this, we must strengthen broadband infrastructure across both urban and rural areas.”
Also speaking, Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, described the seminar as timely and transformative, emphasizing the role of education in driving digital innovation. “To harness digital opportunities, we must reimagine strategies that encompass emerging technologies like cloud computing, blockchain, and big data analytics,” he said.
Ayuba noted that Bingham University is committed to supporting national digital development through research, collaboration, and innovation. “Our interdisciplinary departments are pushing the frontiers of data science and information systems. We are proud to host this seminar and stand with AIMP in shaping Nigeria’s digital economy,” he said.
He called on participants to form productive partnerships with professional associations, tech companies, and global organizations to build a resilient digital ecosystem. “We must ensure our curricula and innovations remain globally competitive,” he added.
Dr. Adabu Suleiman Usman, Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Bingham University, highlighted the importance of data harmonization and cybersecurity in national development.
“We cannot continue with data silos. NIMC, CAC, and others must integrate. We need infrastructure capable of supporting 250 million Nigerians starting with a nationwide optic fiber backbone. Our security and sovereignty depend on where our data is stored and who has access,” he warned.
He urged young Nigerians to leverage predictive analytics and real-time decision-making tools for innovation. “Data is power, and today’s youth must harness it to position themselves in the global digital economy.”
In his goodwill message, Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), Chairman of the Centre for Crisis Communication, echoed Olumuji’s concerns, highlighting the strategic importance of real-time, structured information in national security and emergency response. “Reliable and coordinated information is not just useful it is lifesaving,” Olukolade declared. “The digital economy we seek depends heavily on how effectively we manage and leverage evolving information infrastructure.”
He commended AIMP for promoting cross-sectoral dialogue and reaffirmed his Centre’s support for efforts that strengthen intelligent information management nationwide.
Welcoming participants, AIMP President, Dr. Omotola Deji Afuye, emphasized the association’s mission in building a knowledge-driven future for Nigeria. “The digital economy thrives on structured data, timely information, and innovative systems that enhance productivity and decision-making,” Afuye stated.
He encouraged members to actively participate in shaping national discourse and announced the association’s 5th National Conference scheduled for July 2025 in Lagos. “We are not just building an association; we are building a legacy of excellence in information management,” he affirmed.
The event concluded with the induction of new AIMP members, who were charged with upholding ethical standards, fostering innovation, and advancing Nigeria’s place in the global digital economy.
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