Balqees Adeniji
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has called for an urgent shift in Nigeria’s innovation strategy, declaring that the country’s technological future cannot be built by a few cities alone.
Speaking on Thursday at a computer roundtable hosted by the Ogun Tech Community, Tijani issued a clarion call for inclusive innovation, urging both federal and state stakeholders to channel investment into emerging tech ecosystems such as Ogun State’s.
“We can’t leave innovation in the hands of just a few cities,” the minister warned. “Every part of Nigeria, including towns and rural areas, must be part of the digital journey. The more people we carry along, the stronger we become as a country.”
Tijani stressed that Nigeria’s greatest asset—its youthful population—must be equipped with the right tools and opportunities to thrive in the global digital economy.
“If we don’t invest in our own people, we’ll keep depending on others for solutions,” he said. “We must create space for local ideas to grow and become real businesses.”
The minister announced federal support for the Ogun Tech Hub’s initiative to create up to 300 jobs through business process outsourcing, framing it as part of a larger plan to transform Nigerian states into “talent cities.”
“Africa is the future,” he said, “and if we are serious about that future, we must start building from the ground up. That means building capacity in every region.”
He also called for the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and drones in key sectors, particularly agriculture, while pushing for the adoption of generative AI in classrooms to enable personalized and accessible learning for all.
“Classrooms are becoming smart and personalized. Learning should be accessible anytime, anywhere,” he said, adding that government would back communities and platforms that deliver digital skills at scale.
Reacting to the minister’s remarks, President of the Ogun Tech Community, Mr. Adekunle Durosinmi, expressed optimism about the future of tech in the state.
He noted Ogun’s comparative advantage, including a young, educated population and a growing industrial base.
“We have over 10 higher institutions focused on digital education,” Durosinmi said. “We are building a tech-friendly environment where everyone from students to companies can grow.”
Founded in February 2022 in Kobape, the Ogun Tech Community has established 19 active clusters, conducted trainings in AI and cybersecurity, and promoted digital literacy through television and radio broadcasts—even in the Yoruba language. Its flagship product, konne3t, is a homegrown video conferencing platform designed for African users.
Durosinmi disclosed that the community is seeking government backing for the construction of a full-scale innovation park in the state—a move he said would accelerate startup growth and drive local economic development.
Though 30 startups were scheduled to pitch their products during the event, only six made presentations before the session concluded. Despite the shortened agenda, stakeholders left with a renewed sense of purpose.
Thursday’s roundtable signalled a growing alignment between grassroots innovation hubs and national policy—a shift many believe could redefine Nigeria’s position in the global tech landscape.
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