The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has called on Nigerian youth to take the lead in driving Africa’s digital transformation, stressing that the country’s young population holds the key to a prosperous and inclusive future.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, Inuwa expressed appreciation to the Vice President of Nigeria for gracing the event, describing his presence as a strong testament to the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment.
Organised by NITDA, the three-day conference serves as a platform for collaboration between government, industry, and innovators. It brings together policymakers, technology leaders, and private-sector players to harmonise regulatory frameworks, promote public–private partnerships, and drive the effective implementation of Nigeria’s national digital strategies for sustainable growth.
Inuwa noted that the conference theme, “Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future: Accelerating Growth, Inclusion, and Global Competitiveness,” aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on economic diversification through digitalisation, industrialisation, and innovation.
Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic advantage, he said the nation, with a population of over 220 million and an average age of 18, stands at a defining moment — one that could either unlock immense prosperity or deepen socio-economic challenges.
“If we harness the energy, creativity, and talent of our youth, we can power not just Nigeria, but the entire Africa into a new era of prosperity,” he said. “But if we fail to skill our youth and provide platforms for them to create value, we risk wasting our most valuable national asset.”
Inuwa disclosed that the 2025 edition of the conference has attracted over 4,800 participants from 12 countries and 25 Nigerian states, featuring 12 keynote sessions, 23 panel discussions, five workshops, and two expert masterclasses across five thematic tracks: digital connectivity, digital public infrastructure and trust, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, digital trade and innovation, and digital skills and literacy.
He urged participants to approach the event as a springboard for action and collaboration.
“Every handshake, every dialogue, and every deal made here should be driven by one conviction — Nigeria can do it, and we will do it,” Inuwa affirmed.