The Lagos State Government, alongside experts in the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) sector, has called on Nigerian youth to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to address pressing societal challenges. This appeal was made during the 2025 Commonwealth Day event organized by the Tantacom Group and the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) at the University of Lagos, Akoka, on Friday. The theme for this year's event was "AI, Youth, and the Future of Work."
Addressing an audience of hundreds of youths and students, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in the workplace. He stated, "AI has not only transformed how people work; it has also redefined the very essence of productivity and creativity." Ogunlende highlighted that AI can significantly reduce the time and effort required to complete tasks across various industries.
He urged young people to view AI as an ally rather than a threat, saying, "AI offers three key advantages that can reshape the future of work for youth. Whether in writing, music production, app development, or business strategy, AI allows young innovators to test their ideas quickly and refine them before presenting them to the world." Ogunlende further elaborated that AI is not just about automation; it is also creating new job roles in fields such as AI ethics, machine learning engineering, data science, and AI-assisted design.
Mr. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, reiterated the Lagos State Government's commitment to supporting youth engaged in AI. He stated, "Whatever you are seeing today or what AI represents is for the future. It is not going to affect anything. All you just need to do is to tap into it, and AI will bounce." Aregbe encouraged young people to embrace AI, asserting, "We in Lagos have things for youth to do. We are ready, and we will continue to support every young person out there who is also making a difference."
Mrs. Jennifer Odufuwa, Co-CEO of Tantacom Group, remarked that the theme of this year's Commonwealth Day is a call to collaborate, innovate, and create a future where no one is left behind in the digital age. She noted, "AI is the foundation of the future. It is transforming sectors from finance to healthcare, from agriculture to creative industries. It is eliminating outdated job roles while creating new ones."
Her co-CEO, Mrs. Olufunke Adu, emphasized the importance of youth engagement with AI, stating, "We want young people to learn to leverage artificial intelligence, knowing that it is the future of work. Without artificial intelligence, it might be difficult for them to do better in the future." She announced the launch of the Commonwealth AI Academy, a free platform where young people can learn skills related to machine learning and artificial intelligence at their own pace.
Abdbasit Saba, Country Representative of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), affirmed the Council's commitment to recognizing young people's contributions to AI development. He highlighted Nigeria's unique ability to seize opportunities, stating, "We are gathered under the banner of the Commonwealth and also the Commonwealth Youth Council, a platform that exists not just to amplify our voices but also to ensure that young people across the world are acknowledged."
The Chief Partnership Officer at Wema Bank, Mr. Ajibade Laolu-Adewale, emphasized the necessity of AI in today's world, explaining that it enhances human capabilities and creates opportunities across various sectors. He stated, "AI will enable them to be better at what they want to do. AI creates opportunities around several sectors and industries."
The President of JCI Nigeria, Oluwatoyin Atanda, encouraged youth to embrace AI as a tool for personal and professional growth. She stated, "AI gives young people the opportunity to upscale themselves and be better individuals," adding that it has the potential to create more jobs than it eliminates if they adapt to and adopt the technologies.
The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Tech Lawyer and AI Optimization Consultant, Bukola Ogunsakin. Panelists, including Ayotunde Ayoola, Peter Oriaku, John Atomode, and Chioma Nwahiri, urged young people to harness AI positively to develop society and drive innovation.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of the digital age, the call to action for youth to embrace AI tools represents a crucial step toward addressing societal challenges and fostering a culture of innovation.
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