Industry Leaders Urge Nigerian Youth to Harness AI for Empowerment and Development
Experts from media, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and creative sectors have called on Nigerian youth to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and innovation as tools for empowerment and continental advancement.
Speaking during a panel discussion titled “The Future Is Now: Redefining Creativity, Connection and AI-Powered Storytelling” in Abuja, stakeholders emphasized the need for a balanced approach to technology—harnessing innovation while preserving human essence.
Shifting Mindsets Toward Self-Empowerment
Event anchor Mr. Stainless Precious urged African youth to transition from government job dependency to self-empowerment through digital innovation. “The world has gone global, and AI presents opportunities for young people to be creative, stay productive, and make a living,” Precious stated.
AI Integration Across Sectors
Dr. Fatoumatta Gaye, President of the Africa CEO Club from The Gambia, highlighted AI’s transformative potential. “Tasks that take hours can now be done in minutes. Young Africans must be innovative and keep up with new technologies emerging daily,” she said.
Gaye emphasized that Africa should not merely consume technology but create its own digital solutions. “Africa must invest in training and capacity building so that its youth can participate actively in the digital economy,” she added, calling for effective policy frameworks and digital education.
Media’s Role in Democracy and Accountability
Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council, described media as “the lifeline of democracy.” “He who controls information controls the mind,” Oyekunle noted. “Through investigative journalism, the press exposes corruption, ensures transparency, and shapes civic engagement.”
Education and Technology Convergence
Renowned filmmaker Mazi Nnamdi Iroegbu addressed misconceptions about education’s relevance. “Education is not a scam. If you went to school and school didn’t pass through you, that’s where the problem lies,” he asserted, urging educational systems to blend theory with practical skills.
Iroegbu called for redirecting tech-savvy youth toward innovation rather than criminalizing them. “Rather than seeing them as fraudsters, we should see them as geniuses who can be redirected,” he said.
Challenges of Digital Authenticity
Veteran broadcaster Ernest Essien, known as MC Miracle, shared concerns about professionalism being judged by social media presence rather than skill. “Originality is being replaced by digital impressions,” he observed, while panelists noted that “fake news now travels faster than truth.”
Skills Over Certificates
Youth development advocate Mohamed Basah emphasized practical skills. “The world no longer rewards certificates but skills. Empowerment without business education is no empowerment,” he stated.
Panelists collectively agreed that AI represents a tool for progress, not a threat, calling for collaborative training programs and digital literacy campaigns to equip African youth for a technology-driven future, while acknowledging AI’s potential to fuel misinformation and erode authenticity.
Source: Original reporting by conference participants