General News
Youth Strategy for ICT Development in Nigeria
If am to summarize my experience as a zonal review panelist for Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria(YouWin!)-a business plan competition organized by the government with the objective of encouraging aspiring and innovative youths in Nigeria to expand their businesses, develop business ideas and engage in entrepreneurship,I will simply say that there exists a heavy gap beyond what we earlier thought between the Nigerian Youth, Entrepreneurship and Technologies(the YET syndrome) which only a well-articulated youth strategy can solve. It is important at this point to state clearly that Nigeria cannot achieve her goals whether it is vision 20:2020 or the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) without the key elements of the youth force,entrepreneurship and technologies(which I can comfortably refer to ICT in this article). These key drivers are not strange to us but we have over- looked them and still do,played lip service to them and then expect to have a place in the comity of great nations. What an illusion! For us to move forward as a nation,it is time to identify those root causes of our problems and address them through a holistic approach with all the resources (both human and material) we have at our disposal even the national insecurity problems we have right now in the country. For instance, theyouth force (a vital force)who make up the greater part of the entire population of the country have been left (over the years) to their own fate by bad government and corrupt leaders who are insensitive to their plight. With no education and employment, it becomes a population with no future,no aspiration, and no zeal only a people readily positioned and used as tools for crime. And like the blame game goes, everyone is quick to cast aspersion on them as if the youths are the cause of the problems we have as a nation. Are they the ones in government, are they the ones looting our treasury, or are they the ones making policies? So why blame them when the youths are just the victims of a failed state! ICTon the other hand is an enabler and also a driver ofdevelopment in any nation especially in the present dayeconomy; it is one sector that impacts on every other sector. It can be put clearly that no sector will grow to its full potential without using ICTs be it Finance,Agriculture, Education, Entertainment, Health you name it. And no nation will ever become relevant in the present economies if this key driver is not taken seriously. Yea,I will at this point commend the effort of the minister of Communications Technology, Mrs.Omobola Johnson who is right now in the advanced stage of unifying the sectors that make up the ICT sector in Nigeria through a National ICT Policy for Nigeria-the roadmap for the future of ICT in Nigeria. Having said that, this is the time to consider some of the points being raised here,it is the time to have a clear agenda and roadmap for ICT development in Nigeria and the Nigerian youths (who are the future) must be the epicenter of it all. Then entrepreneurship is the ways -and -means of attaining a robust economy in any nation.Economic experts will tell you the role of entrepreneurs in the economic development of any nation. Economies are driven by entrepreneurs not government, one key factor that have contributed to the growth of the BRIC countries we all talk about and admire is that they have their top priority and anchor onentrepreneurship. They are building more entrepreneurs that are helping to build their economies. But in Nigeria,entrepreneurship is often talked about and not encouraged by government and her policies. There will not be any real growth in the economy of Nigeria if entrepreneurship is not given its pride of place in the skim of things.The environment should be one that encourages entrepreneurs.Young entrepreneurswith ICTs as their tool are the hope of Nigeria and a Youth Strategy for ICT development in Nigeria will set the pace. The Way Forward Knowing that am not in the class of just saying things I think are right for the nation, am of the school of thought that every Nigerian has something to contribute to national development. With that said, am making this proposition I call Youth strategy for ICT Development in Nigeriawhich is simply a roadmap that first empowers the Nigerian youth who is so passionate about technologies,so that they can in turn contribute to national development. In other to actualize this, a national youth summit on ICT(www.nationalyouthsummitonict.com.ng) for Nigeria will be held where all of these issues concerning the youths, entrepreneurship and ICTs will be articulated.The summit brings together young Nigerians who are passionate about technology,innovations and ICT4D to learn,share ideas,collaborate and develop strategies on how to use technologies to solve some of the problems Nigeria faces as a developing nation. This summit is set to explore the potentials and capabilities of the Nigerian youth towards contributing their quota in National Development as young ICT entrepreneurs. No doubt in such forum, great ideas will be generated at the summit and then with the support of Government,Private and Public sector,International and local organizations, stakeholders in the technologies and ICT sector, these ideas, strategies will be put to use in solving our problems using ICTs.Therefore the summit will not be an avenue to criticize the government at any level but a platform to generate ideas that will assist government in planning for the youths. The National Youth Summit on ICT willalso promote the National Youth Summit Awards on ICT Development set to reward young Nigerians using ICTs to help fight challenging problemsand also pioneer different developments through their e-content,applications,Projects,Initiatives. The Objectives of the Summit -A Platform to bring Nigerian Youths all over the world together to explore the opportunities in ICTs and share relevant ideas that will help in the development of the country. -Contribute to Nation building through ICT4D and help actualize the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs) and vision 20:2020 -Create agenda on how the youths can be part of National development and hence partner with the Government,Private and public sector on this. -The Summit will create a lot of opportunities for the youths to become entrepreneurs thereby reducing the unemployment and other social vices the youths are linked with. -The summit is an avenue to reward the efforts of young people contributing towards ICT4D through the National Youth Summit Awards. -An avenue to network with amongst the youths,with Technology CEOs,International organizations,Government,experts in ICT How the objectives of such summit will be achieved -Partnering with the government,private and Public sectors,Individuals,organizations and stakeholders in the ICT ecosystem. -Through the National Youth Summit Awards set to reward Young Nigerians using ICTs for development in different fields -A round table interaction with Tech CEOs on the future of the country -Implementation of the agenda,strategies,ideas generated at the Summit For further information on the proposed National Youth Summit on ICT please visit www.nationalyouthsummitonict.com.ng
Breathe Life Foundation partnered with Teach Nigeria Fellow, Ms Bunmi Rotimi, to deliver a respiratory health awareness session for over 200 senior students of Cleggs Girls High School, Surulere, Lagos.
The session equipped students aged 15–19 years with practical knowledge about the risks associated with smoking, vaping, and shisha, while challenging the misconception that shisha is a safer alternative to cigarettes or other substances.
Through an engaging and interactive discussion, students explored the influence of peer pressure and learned practical strategies for making healthier, more informed lifestyle choices.
They also gained a better understanding of common environmental triggers of asthma and other respiratory conditions, including cigarette smoke, generator fumes, bush burning, mosquito coil smoke, candles, charcoal, and firewood.
The session highlighted an important reality: young people may not always recognise how seemingly routine lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can gradually affect their respiratory health, quality of life, and long-term wellbeing.
For Breathe Life Foundation, this reinforces the importance of shifting the conversation from treatment to prevention through awareness and education. By equipping young people with the knowledge to identify risks and make healthier choices early, the Foundation is helping to build a generation that is more conscious of – and better prepared to protect – its respiratory health.
Breathe Life Foundation is dedicated to advancing respiratory health, an often-neglected public health priority. Healthy lungs are essential to life, yet respiratory diseases remain among the world’s leading causes of death and disability, even though many are preventable and treatable.
Nigeria’s technology retail landscape reached another significant milestone on Monday, August 3, 2026, as global technology giant ASUS, in partnership with Konga, officially commissioned its first flagship experience store in West Africa.
Strategically located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos; the heartbeat of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, the state-of-the-art facility represents a major investment in customer experience, product accessibility, and digital innovation.
The launch also reinforces Konga’s growing reputation as a preferred gateway for leading global technology brands into the Nigerian market.
The landmark event attracted Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who officially commissioned the store.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh; Chief Operating Officer of Konga, Dave Omoregie; VP Omni-channel & Commercial Planning, Melvin Onochie; and Head of Marketing and Communications at Konga Group, Victor Oluwaleye.
The ASUS team was led by E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, alongside Business Development Manager, Sunnie Chen; Sales Manager, Mohammed Kazim; Gaming Product Manager, Joy Chen; Marketing Manager, Adeola Odeleye; and Sales Specialist, Williams Okenna.
The Honourable Minister described the facility as a defining achievement for Nigeria’s digital economy, noting that it is far more than the opening of a retail outlet.
He called it a strong vote of confidence by a global technology brand in Nigeria’s innovation, science, and technology ecosystem and the immense potential of its market.
He noted that his presence underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, describing such partnerships as essential to achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy driven by private enterprise and enabled by government.
The Minister paid tribute to Leo Stan Ekeh, describing him as one of the foremost architects of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
He announced that Ekeh had recently agreed to champion the Federal Government’s Youth and Students in Innovation initiative, a flagship programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with entrepreneurial and technology skills.
According to him, Ekeh’s decades of visionary entrepreneurship have played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s technology ecosystem and attracting prominent technology companies into the Nigerian market.
Using the occasion to address the international business community, the Minister encouraged global investors and brands to look beyond establishing commercial operations in Nigeria and actively partner with the government in driving national development.
He assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that safeguards investments and delivers sustainable returns.
Speaking at the event, ASUS E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, expressed appreciation to partners, government representatives, and customers for their support.
He explained that the flagship store was conceived to provide consumers with direct access to authentic ASUS products, and expressed confidence that the partnership with Konga will further accelerate the brand’s growth and strengthen customer engagement in the region.
The experience centre features dedicated sections showcasing ASUS’ complete portfolio of premium laptops, gaming devices, AI-powered PCs, and cutting-edge innovations. A standout attraction is an interactive digital display that allows visitors to explore ASUS’ latest technologies virtually before making purchase decisions, creating a more engaging and informed customer journey. Plus, every ASUS device purchased through the flagship store or online on Konga comes with a special one-year replacement warranty at no extra cost.
In his remark, Chief Operating Officer of Konga Group, Dave Omoregie, said the flagship store reflects Konga’s deliberate strategy to give Nigerian consumers a seamless blend of online and offline retail.
He noted that Konga’s logistics network, payment infrastructure, and nationwide retail footprint uniquely position the company to support global brands like ASUS at scale, while ensuring customers enjoy authentic products backed by reliable after-sales service.
According to him, the partnership demonstrates what becomes possible when world-class technology brands trust Nigerian platforms to deliver exceptional experiences, adding that Konga remains committed to setting the operational standard for authentic technology retail across the country.
The launch further reinforces the enduring partnership between ASUS and Konga, built on shared values of innovation, authenticity, and customer satisfaction.
It also highlights Konga’s continued evolution beyond traditional e-commerce into a comprehensive omnichannel technology ecosystem that combines online convenience with physical retail experiences.
For Nigerian consumers and businesses, the new ASUS Flagship Experience Store represents more than a retail outlet; it is a symbol of confidence in Nigeria’s technology market. It highlights Konga’s commitment to bridging the gap between global technology brands and Nigerian consumers. With its robust logistics infrastructure, digital payment solutions, and nationwide physical retail presence, Konga continues to set the standard for authentic, accessible, and reliable technology retail across Africa.
The flagship store opening featured guided product demonstrations, immersive technology experiences, exclusive launch-day offers and customer engagement activities celebrating this historic milestone.
Customers can begin shopping immediately at the ASUS Flagship Experience Store, located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos. Visitors can explore authentic ASUS products, experience live product demonstrations, receive expert guidance, and access dedicated Starlink customer-support services.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), attorney general of the federation and minister of Justice; Olatunji Rilwan Disu, inspector-general of Police, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that more than ₦6.79 billion in public funds were missing, diverted or misapplied within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
The allegations are contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2022 Annual Report, published on September 9, 2025.
In a letter dated August 1, 2026, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, deputy director, SERAP, the organisation urged the government to ensure that anyone implicated in the report is prosecuted and that all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition are recovered.
“Anyone suspected to be responsible—including contractors, companies and public officials implicated in the report—should be promptly prosecuted, while all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition should be fully recovered, secured and properly accounted for.”
SERAP described the Auditor-General’s findings as a serious breach of public trust.
“The Auditor-General’s findings suggest a grave betrayal of the public trust and raise serious concerns about corruption and the management of public funds, police exhibits, firearms and ammunition.”
The organisation also expressed concern over allegations involving missing firearms, unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, and poor storage of weapons.
“The report also raises serious concerns over missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, creating significant risks to public safety and national security.”
According to SERAP, the alleged diversion of funds meant for policing and the reported irregularities have weakened the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects, missing firearms and ammunition, and the misuse of police exhibits undermine the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force, weaken public confidence and may contribute to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.”
The organisation said the Auditor-General’s report documented several alleged financial irregularities, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, irregular procurement, unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims and payments for services allegedly not rendered.
“The report documented numerous alleged financial irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, and irregular procurement.”
“The report also documented unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims, payments for services allegedly not rendered, and other suspected diversion and misapplication of public funds amounting to over ₦6.79 billion.”SERAP further cited allegations of missing firearms and ammunition, failures to properly account for recovered weapons and exhibits, and insecure storage of firearms.
“The allegations also include missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for recovered firearms and other exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and national security.”
The organisation gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its demands, warning that it would pursue legal action if no response is received.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
SERAP also argued that the allegations, if left unaddressed, would violate constitutional provisions requiring the government to combat corruption and safeguard the welfare and security of Nigerians.
Among the specific findings cited from the Auditor-General’s report were allegations of payments for abandoned and unexecuted police projects worth hundreds of millions of naira, inflated contract values, unretired cash advances, irregular procurement processes, unsettled insurance claims exceeding ₦681 million, over ₦1 billion in uncleared insurance policy liabilities, missing firearms and ammunition, unauthorised release of police exhibits, and contracts allegedly awarded without due diligence by the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
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