The government of Lagos State along with ICT professionals have encouraged Nigerian youths to adopt AI technologies for addressing various social issues.
During the 2025 Commonwealth Day organized by the Tantacom Group and the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) at the University of Lagos, Akoka, on Friday, they offered their insights. The event’s theme focused on "AI, Youth, and the Future of Work."
At an event graced by hundreds of young individuals and students, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, stated that AI has not just altered the way people work but has also reshaped the fundamental aspects of productivity and creativity.
Ogunlende emphasized that the influence of AI on work should not be underestimated. He pointed out that throughout various sectors, AI has transformed task execution methods, cutting down both the time and effort needed to attain outcomes.
He said: “AI as an ally empowering the youth for the future of work. Instead of viewing AI as a threat, young people must embrace it as a partner in their professional journey. AI offers three key advantages that can reshape the future of work for youth. Whether in writing, music production, app development, or business strategy, AI allows young innovators to test their ideas quickly and refine them before presenting them to the world.
A budding entrepreneur can leverage AI technology today to develop a business plan, construct a financial model, and devise a marketing approach—all accomplished within 24 hours. The impact of artificial intelligence extends beyond mere automation; it’s also giving rise to novel career paths. Emerging sectors like AI ethics, machine learning engineering, data science, and AI-supported design present promising opportunities for young individuals seeking rewarding professions.
The Special Advisor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, also commented that the Lagos State government is prepared to assist youths involved in artificial intelligence initiatives. He emphasized that embracing this technology would lead to an increase in employment opportunities for young individuals.
He stated: "What you witness today or what the AI portrays is indicative of things to come. However, it won't have an immediate impact. The key is simply learning how to access this technology, after which the AI will adapt accordingly. Some believe this lies ahead in our future. In my view, these developments are happening right now. We must embrace them and begin leveraging AI."
In Lagos, we have plenty of opportunities for young people. We are prepared and committed to moving ahead with these initiatives. Furthermore, we will keep supporting each young individual contributing positively.
Earlier, during her address, the Co-CEO of Tantacom Group, Mrs. Jennifer Odufuwa, stated that this year's Commonwealth Day theme urges us to work together, foster innovation, and build a future in which nobody gets left behind as we advance into the digital era.
Odufuwa stated that AI is transforming sectors, reshaping employment, and generating fresh prospects at an unparalleled rate.
Artificial Intelligence forms the bedrock of our future. It is reshaping fields ranging from finance to healthcare, from agriculture to creative domains. It is phasing out obsolete jobs while simultaneously generating new opportunities. This necessitates a reconsideration of how we approach education, skill development, and workplace preparedness. However, let us be clear about this point: Artificial Intelligence will not supplant human beings.
The Co-CEO of Tantacom Group, Mrs. Olufunke Adu, also commented that Commonwealth Day isn’t just an occasion; it’s a global initiative spanning 56 nations aimed at bringing young people together to explore opportunities within the field of artificial intelligence.
Adu stated, "Our aim is for young individuals to acquire skills in leveraging artificial intelligence, recognizing that it represents the future of employment. Without these capabilities, they may struggle to excel in upcoming years and should understand that AI isn’t just about the distant future; it’s happening right now. Therefore, they must act by starting to enhance their knowledge in this field."
Speaking on the launch of the Commonwealth AI Academy, Adu said it is an academy that is free where young people can learn any kind of skills regarding machine learning and artificial intelligence. “And they have various courses on the platform, and it’s a self-paced programme. So you can go on it, look for programmes that you feel that you can learn, and begin to learn it.
"In Africa, our aim is not to have Nigerians, particularly those from Lagos, merely as observers. That’s why we are spearheading this discussion—we desire active participation from them. This presents an invaluable chance for them to gain knowledge that can significantly aid them professionally. It offers opportunities to acquire new skills which will prove beneficial once they enter the workforce. Moreover, such experiences will enable them to improve themselves, fulfill their responsibilities more effectively, become exemplary individuals, and positively impact their workplaces overall," she stated.
Abdbasit Saba, the Country Representative for the Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC), stated that the organization will keep striving to recognize young individuals globally for their role in advancing AI technology.
Saba stated: "Nigeria has a distinctive approach when it comes to seizing opportunities. We stand together under the Commonwealth flag as well as through the Commonwealth Youth Council, which serves not only to magnify our voices but also to guarantee recognition for youth worldwide."
The Chief Partnership Officer at Wema Bank, Mr. Ajibade Laolu-Adewale, stated that in today’s world, survival would be impossible without AI. According to him, humans cannot effectively manage their daily lives without AI-powered tools addressing various issues.
"So, from a technical standpoint, today, I had the chance to address the students about the future job market. AI can help them excel in their chosen fields. It opens up various opportunities across multiple sectors and industries. As we progress, AI itself will improve," he explained.
The President of JCI Nigeria, Oluwatoyin Atanda, also spoke about this issue, stating that the youth should welcome AI since it does not compete with them. According to her, AI provides young people with the chance to enhance their skills and become better individuals.
Regarding the prospects of using AI, Atanda commented, "AI has the potential to generate more job openings than it removes provided you embrace these technologies; this will lead to increased possibilities. Since those who possess the know-how and abilities to revamp their communities and workplaces gain a significant advantage over others."
In a discussion led by tech attorney and AI optimization consultant Bukola Ogunsakin, the panelists—Ayotunde Ayoola, founder of Stringify Consulting; Peter Oriaku, team lead at Google Africa’s SEO division; John Atomode, COO of DAcubcn Technology Ltd.; and Chioma Nwahiri, head of business development for MoMo PSB—instructed the youth to harness artificial intelligence constructively as a means to advance societal progress.
