In a compelling call to action, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Olatunbosun Tijani, has urged Nigerian youth to seize the wealth of opportunities in the digital sector to achieve financial freedom and build promising futures for themselves. This push is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s broader commitment to fostering a thriving digital economy that empowers the nation’s vibrant youth population.
Tijani made this statement during the launch of a solar-powered Community ICT Centre in Abeokuta, a project facilitated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). This state-of-the-art facility, along with an innovation hub and library funded by Senator Solomon Adeola, represents a significant investment in the future of the local community. These developments are also part of the larger Abeokuta City Hall Complex project, set to celebrate the bicentennial of the Egba people in 2030.
Tijani emphasized that President Tinubu fully understands the transformative power of technology, committing to a future where over one million young Nigerians will be trained to leverage technology for the nation’s advancement. He remarked, “This Community ICT Centre isn’t just a building; it’s a gateway to endless opportunities for youth, just like I was full of energy, questions, and untapped potential.”
The centre is more than just a place for learning; it offers access to cutting-edge tools and resources to help students from institutions like FUNAAB, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Crescent University, and beyond explore fields like programming, robotics, and digital entrepreneurship. “It’s a space where a student from Ijeun or Lafenwa can walk in and start learning valuable skills that will shape their future,” Tijani added.
The Minister also shared plans for the government to continue expanding the digital landscape, with about 30 new ICT Centres set to be launched across Nigeria in the coming months.
Tijani urged the youth to stay focused and take full advantage of the opportunities that the digital world offers. He highlighted the impressive salaries and career prospects within the technology sector, noting, “The starting salary in tech ranges from N250,000 to N500,000—far more than many people earn in traditional jobs. Technology offers a real chance to build a prosperous future.”
Earlier, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, praised President Tinubu for approving the construction of the ICT Centre for Abeokuta, stressing the importance of such initiatives in the region’s educational and economic development. Oba Gbadebo also mentioned the recent appointment of governing board members for the newly established Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Abeokuta, which, coupled with the new ICT Centre, is expected to significantly boost the city’s growth.
The monarch urged other indigenes of Egbaland, both locally and abroad, to follow Tijani’s example and use their influence to further support the development of the region and the nation as a whole.
