Nigerian youth have been encouraged to leverage the vast opportunities within the tech ecosystem to enhance self-reliance and economic empowerment.

This advice was given during the seventh edition of the Kwarabuild Tech Conference, a two-day workshop held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Saturday. The event attracted over 1,500 participants from across the North Central region and beyond.

The conference aimed to foster technological self-reliance by equipping attendees with skills and insights to thrive in the tech industry. Speakers at the event highlighted the potential for young Nigerians to contribute significantly to the global tech space while addressing local challenges through innovation.

Speaking during the event, Managing Director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Mr Temi Kolawole, said there are lots of potentials in the tech ecosystem that must be explored by the youth.

He advised participants to domesticate the training to tackle local and global challenges through innovative solutions.

While reiterating the vast potential in the tech industry, he urged participants to upskill, innovate, and collaborate to solve pressing societal challenges.

“No foreigner will come to build Nigeria’s tech ecosystem for us. It is up to us to rise, acquire the skills, and create the future we desire,” Kolawole said.

In his remarks, Kwarabuild Co-Founder, Ibraheem Zulkifli, said, “Our goal is to uncover hidden talents among the participants and equip them with the tools to achieve self-dependence”.

He called for greater collaboration with the state government and key stakeholders to provide easier access to resources for youths eager to escape poverty and unemployment.

Zulkifli added that participants were trained on identifying and solving various technological challenges during the workshop.

His partner, Kamaldeen Kehinde, highlighted the significance of the event, which he said spared Kwarans the inconvenience of travelling to Lagos or neighbouring states for similar programs.

Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, Mrs. Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun, reaffirmed the state government commitment to supporting tech startups and entrepreneurs in building a robust tech ecosystem.

According to her, the state government has deeply invested in youth development and technological advancement.

She emphasised that the Kwarabuild Tech Conference provided startups with an opportunity to network and grow their businesses.

Mrs. Yusuf-Adelodun also reiterated her ministry’s commitment to engaging with tech experts, professionals, and entrepreneurs to address key areas such as funding, policy formulation, and innovative programmes.