The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the adoption of digital technology to drive its various developmental agendas by opening a pathway for discovering, nurturing, and empowering youthful technological talents.
The goal is to position the state on the global map of unparalleled innovations and technological advancements.
Governor Dapo Abiodun emphasized this while inaugurating the 2023 Tech Summit in Ogun, themed “Disruptive Innovation: Digital Technology for Shaping the Future.” The two-day event, held in Abeokuta, the state capital, witnessed significant participation from technology experts, disruptors, creators, innovators, startups, organizations, and tech enthusiasts.
Abiodun highlighted Ogun’s aspiration to become Nigeria’s Silicon Valley, not only by supporting technology-driven professionals but also by leveraging ICT initiatives aimed at attracting more investors. Represented by the Special Adviser on ICT, Dayo Abiodun, the governor revealed that the state has embraced information technology through initiatives such as Ogun TechHub, which identifies top talents in ICT and provides a platform to harness the IT knowledge of youths.
Other initiatives include learners’ certificate numbers, a digital curriculum, and digital infrastructure in the education sector.
Ayoola Olaniyi, the convener of the 5th Tech Summit, welcomed participants and explained that the summit was initiated five years ago to ensure that Ogun State takes a leading role in the hunt for digital and technology talents and advances in line with global best practices.
Olaniyi urged participants to see themselves as future drivers of Nigeria’s economy, emphasizing that the country’s progress and sustainable development depend on the technology initiatives of its youth.
Highlighting the importance of remaining relevant in the digital economic competitiveness, human resources expert, Emmanuel Nwalor Jnr stressed the need for Nigeria to stay relevant in the digital landscape to thrive in emerging markets, achieve economic advancement, and surpass global competition.
Other speakers at the summit encouraged young tech enthusiasts to identify their basic skill sets in the digital world to realize their dreams. They stressed the importance of a soul search for career opportunities using innovation and creativity while adapting to emerging trends.
Discussing the need to build a digital workforce, bridge the skill gap for future success, and enhance fintech and financial inclusion in Nigeria, panelists emphasized the importance of bridging the knowledge gap on funds available for technology businesses in the fintech sector.
The summit also explored driving innovations through co-creation communities to harness the power of living labs and digital transformation. Participants were encouraged to leverage various opportunities presented by social media to meet global demands for products and services and compete effectively in global markets.
As the summit concluded, participants expressed optimism about making effective use of the technological advancement insights shared by various speakers to bring about the desired changes for the future.
The Tech Summit Ogun began in 2018 as a gathering of tech innovators, disruptors, and enthusiasts seeking to brainstorm and chart new ways to advance the technological economy in Nigeria.
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