csrreporters 
Nigeria’s drive toward a digitally empowered future received a major boost over the weekend as the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, joined top government officials, technology leaders, and innovators to advocate stronger youth participation in tech at XPLORE 2025, held at the National Stadium Velodrome, Abuja.
The event, themed Shaping Africa’s Digital Future, convened young innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and private-sector stakeholders to discuss Africa’s role in the rapidly evolving digital landscape and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Represented by Mr. Usman Yohanna, Olawande commended the second edition of the XPLORE Disruptors initiative, stressing that African youths are at the forefront of a continent-wide digital shift. He highlighted the need for partnerships across government, private sector, academia, and development institutions to drive inclusive innovation. According to him, the Ministry remains committed to promoting digital literacy, startup incubation, entrepreneurship, and policies that ensure young Nigerians are not left behind in the digital economy.
The Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, aligned the event with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that Nigeria must actively participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Noting that Africa missed the first three industrial revolutions, he warned that the continent could not afford another setback. He emphasised stronger public-private collaboration, describing the private sector as the engine of global technological advancement.
Adepoju encouraged young Nigerians to embrace AI, robotics, and innovation driven enterprise. He further revealed that NASRDA has established new departments in AI, space robotics, and space enterprise to help young innovators transform ideas into viable commercial solutions.
Delivering the keynote address for the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Ms. Maimunat Lawal praised XPLORE 2025 for providing a platform that unites innovators, investors, SMEs, and policymakers. She noted that Africa’s next phase of economic growth will be powered by technology adoption, innovation, and youth empowerment.
She highlighted ACCI’s four centres Dispute Resolution, Policy Advocacy, Abuja Trade Centre, and BEST Centre which support capacity development, investment promotion, and policy reform for startups and SMEs. She stressed that XPLORE 2025 aligns with ACCI’s mission to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Leadership expert Dr. Linus Okorie urged participants to strengthen their personal leadership capacity, insisting that global competitiveness demands excellence beyond national borders. He noted that transformational leadership is essential for innovators hoping to thrive in tech-driven industries.
XPLORE Disruptors Convener, Engr. Light Ihesiulo, thanked participants and partners for their robust support. He said the primary motivation behind the programme is to help African youths gain stability in building globally competitive businesses.
According to organisers, XPLORE Disruptors 2025 is now the largest tech event in Africa, spotlighting innovators and trailblazers who are redefining technology and shaping new possibilities across industries.
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