Become financially independent, tap into technology – Minister advises youths

The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Olatunbosun Tijani, has urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the numerous opportunities in technology to become financially independent and create a stable future for themselves.

Tijani stated this on Monday at the commissioning of a solar-powered community ICT centre for the citizens of Abeokuta, which was facilitated by him and built by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA.

Reiterating the Tinubu administration's resolve to invest in the digital economy to empower the nation's vast youth population and promote inclusive growth, the minister maintained that the administration is committed to raising over one million tech professionals who will harness the power of technology for the advancement of the country.

The ICT hub, located on five hectares of land at the new Abeokuta City Hall Complex, is being developed to commemorate the 200-year anniversary of the Egba people by 2030.

The innovation hub, along with a library and an administrative building, was donated by Solomon Adeola, a senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District.

The minister encouraged young people to seize the opportunities presented by technology, adding that the government is building more ICT centres across the country, with about 30 already completed and set to be commissioned in the coming months.

He said, “So, when we talk about this Community ICT Centre, we are not just cutting a ribbon; we are opening doors. We are expanding horizons for young people who, just like I was, are full of energy, full of questions, and full of potential.

“This centre, developed by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, is a hub of possibilities. It provides a space where students from the many academic institutions here—from FUNAAB to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Crescent University, and beyond—can find tools to match their talents. It is where a secondary school student from Ijeun or Lafenwa can walk in and be introduced to programming, robotics, design thinking, or digital entrepreneurship.

“Youth must not be distracted; they should stay focused. There are not enough people working in the technology sector worldwide. If you know anyone working in technology, the starting salary is between N250,000 and N500,000.”;

In his remarks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, praised Tinubu for facilitating the construction of the centre for the Abeokuta community, stating that it will significantly contribute to youth empowerment and promote academic achievement in ICT within the state and beyond.

According to Gbadebo, Tinubu's commitment to supporting the growth of Egbaland’s educational system is unmatched.

He added that the president had recently appointed principal officers and members of the governing board for the newly authorised Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta.

Oba Gbadebo noted that, with this development, the state capital would become the first city to have two federal universities in the same location. He added that this, among other initiatives, has undoubtedly signalled a new era for the people of Egbaland.

Meanwhile, the monarch called on other Egba sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, to follow the minister's example and use their connections and influence to advance the development of Egbaland and the state as a whole.