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LAGOS, Nigeria- Specialists in the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) industry with the Lagos State government has encouraged Nigerian youth to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for addressing societal issues.
They emphasized that AI has revolutionized work practices and redefined productivity and creativity.
This guidance was shared during the 2025 Commonwealth Day event organized by the Tantacom Group and the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) at the University of Lagos, Akoka. The event focused on the theme “AI, Youth, and the Future of Work.”
At the gathering, which attracted numerous youths and students, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, highlighted the significant influence of AI on employment.
He pointed out that AI is reshaping task management across various industries, leading to reduced time and effort in achieving outcomes.
He stated: “AI should be seen as an ally empowering youth for their future careers. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, young people need to embrace it as a partner in their professional endeavors. AI provides three main advantages that can redefine the work landscape for youth. Whether it’s in writing, music production, app development, or business strategy, AI enables young innovators to quickly test and refine their concepts before showcasing them to the public.
“A young entrepreneur now has the ability to use AI to draft a business proposal, develop a financial model, and devise a marketing strategy, all within a single day. AI is not merely about automation; it is also generating new job opportunities. Sectors like AI ethics, machine learning engineering, data science, and AI-assisted design are fresh fields where young individuals can build rewarding careers.”
The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, affirmed that the Lagos State Government is prepared to support youth engaged in AI. He mentioned that technology will create further employment opportunities for young people.
He reiterated: “What we see today and what AI embodies pertains to the future. It isn’t going to disrupt anything. All you need to do is harness it, and AI will thrive. While people claim it’s the future, I believe it’s already here. We must adapt to it and seize the benefits of AI.
“In Lagos, we have initiatives for youth engagement. We are committed to progressing in this direction and will persist in aiding every young person contributing positively.”
Earlier, Co-CEO of the Tantacom Group, Jennifer Odufuwa, remarked that this year’s Commonwealth Day theme emphasizes unity, innovation, and creating a digital future where all are included. Odufuwa stated that AI is profoundly impacting sectors, altering job roles, and presenting new opportunities rapidly.
“AI is the cornerstone of tomorrow. It is changing fields from finance to healthcare, agriculture, and creative industries. It is phasing out obsolete job roles while establishing new ones and necessitating a reevaluation of education, skills, and workforce preparedness. However, the reality is: AI will not displace humans.”
Another Co-CEO of Tantacom Group, Olufunke Adu, mentioned that Commonwealth Day represents a movement uniting youth from 56 countries to discover opportunities in artificial intelligence.
Adu stated: “We want young people to learn how to utilize artificial intelligence, recognizing it as the future of work. Without AI, it may be challenging for them to achieve better outcomes in the future. They must act now to begin enhancing their skills in artificial intelligence.”
Regarding the establishment of the Commonwealth AI Academy, Adu explained that it is a free platform where young individuals can acquire skills related to machine learning and artificial intelligence. “The academy offers various self-paced courses, allowing users to select and learn programs they find beneficial.
“In Africa, we do not want a scenario where Nigerians, particularly Lagosians, are spectators. We are leading this dialogue to encourage them to take decisive action. We urge them to tap into this golden opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that will enhance their employability, improve their individual development, and contribute positively to the workplace,” she added.
Country Representative of the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), Abdbasit Saba, mentioned that the Council will persist in recognizing the contributions of young people globally to AI development.
Saba explained: “Nigeria possesses something unique regarding our readiness for opportunities. We gather under the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Youth Council banners, which exist not only to amplify our voices but to ensure global recognition for youth contributions.”
The Chief Partnership Officer at Wema Bank, Ajibade Laolu-Adewale, remarked that survival in today's world is impractical without AI.
He stressed that AI-driven tools are essential for improving life quality.
“Today, I reached out to students to discuss the future job landscape. AI is instrumental in enabling them to excel in their pursuits. AI creates prospects in myriad sectors and industries, and its capabilities will continue to evolve,” he noted.
President of JCI Nigeria, Oluwatoyin Atanda, emphasized that the youth should welcome AI since it does not compete with them. She remarked that AI offers an opportunity for young people to enhance their skills and become better individuals.
Discussing AI's potential, Atanda said, “I believe AI will produce more jobs than it removes, provided you adapt to and adopt these technologies; it will create new prospects. With the right knowledge and skills, you can transform your community and workplace, giving you an edge over others.”
During a session led by Tech Lawyer and AI Optimization Consultant, Bukola Ogunsakin, panelists including Founder of Stringify Consulting Ayotunde Ayoola, Google Africa SEO Department Team Lead Peter Oriaku, DAcubcn Technology Ltd COO John Atomode, and MoMo PSB Head of Business Development Chioma Nwahiri encouraged young individuals to utilize AI positively for societal development.
