Daily Trust reports that Kamaldeen Kehinde, a tech expert and co-founder of Kwara Build, has urged youths nationwide to leverage legitimate internet opportunities for personal growth rather than resorting to cybercrime. Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the 7th annual Kwara Build Tech Conference, scheduled for November 21-24 in Ilorin, Kehinde emphasized the potential for innovation and self-development through technology.

This year's event, themed “Future Forward: Addressing Local and Global Challenges Through Collaborative Innovation,” is supported by the Kwara State Government and other sponsors. Over 2,000 participants, including youths as young as seven, are expected to attend the free conference.

According to Kamaldeen, more opportunities and legitimate cash is available on the internet for the teeming youths to explore.

He noted that internet fraudsters have limited knowledge about tech adding that proper exposure to the reality will change their orientation.

The tech expert therefore advised those youth who found cybercrime alluring to change their mindset and focus on legitimate tech skills for a decent living.

He said the conference will expose participants to such knowledge and other global tech trends that will optimise their profession and networking.

On his part, Ibrahim Zulkifli, another founding member of Kwara Build, said the event speaks to the growing need for tech-driven solutions to complex challenges and how to leverage the tech space to enhance entrepreneurship in the state.

Zulkifli noted that the event featuring Africa’s brightest minds in technology and innovation, will also features a prestigious Awards Night to celebrate individuals and organisations that have made significant strides in technology and entrepreneurship.

Also speaking, Mohammed Yahyah, said the programme with the hashtag #KBTC24, will serve as a platform for innovators, startups and thought leaders to exchange ideas, build partnerships and inspire future tech innovations within Kwara State and beyond.

He said it has been a driving force in “fostering technological growth, innovation and collaboration with founders, investors, corporate leaders and government representatives from across the continent.

“Through KBTC24, we aim to position Kwara State on the global tech map as a thriving hub for innovation and techtalent in Nigeria”.

He said the annual event has revolutionised the tech space which the youth has leveraged to change the narrative in the state.

“Today, we have someone in Ilọrin that is making legitimate money more more than what some cyber fraudsters are making. And yet, there are more of such opportunities available which they can be exposed to their programmes like this”, he said.