Yesterday in Lagos, a diverse audience comprising industry experts, students, faculty, and technology enthusiasts gathered for the launch of the Tech Awareness Fest 1.0, an event organized by the Prime Innovation Institute of Technology (PIIT).
The festival, which focused on the future of emerging technologies, was themed “Unlocking Innovation, Inspiring Tomorrow” and served as a platform to inspire and empower Nigerian youth.
In his remarks, Joe Ebinum, Chairman of PIIT, explained that the Tech Awareness Fest would become an annual event aimed at fostering technology awareness across the country. “This is a new concept, and it is intended to become an annual initiative to make ICT awareness central to Nigeria’s future,” he stated. “Our goal is to assist in mentoring young people, helping them realize their potential through technology.”
He also noted that while the government is making strides in the tech sector, it is crucial for organizations like PIIT to collaborate with the government to fully realize the potential of Nigeria’s youth.
Ebinum emphasized that technology is a broad field that touches nearly every profession. “What we are doing is creating a comprehensive space for individuals to pursue their ambitions, regardless of their discipline. We focus on areas such as software engineering, networking, programming, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and robotics,” he added. He urged the youth not to be intimidated by the challenges of the digital age, reminding them that mentorship and guidance are available to help them succeed.
Kobi Agwu, a Tech Sales Expert at Beyond Strides Ltd, highlighted the vast opportunities within the booming tech industry. He pointed out that the global market for tech is projected to reach five trillion Naira this year, opening up immense opportunities for skilled youth. “There is a huge demand for tech professionals in cloud computing, machine learning, software engineering, and app development, all driven by emerging technologies like AI,” Agwu said. “These are areas where the youth can excel, and the skills they acquire will be globally recognized, ensuring their relevance in any part of the world.”
Daniel Adeniyi, Business and Leadership Coach at BigGodInternational, echoed this sentiment, stressing that technology is now an essential skill for everyone, regardless of age. “For Nigerian youth, artificial intelligence is an area that they must master. In the coming years, AI will play a crucial role in every aspect of work and life,” Adeniyi predicted.
Kate Ebinum, Executive Director of PIIT, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of technology in today’s world. “We live in an era where technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” she said. “It impacts every sector, from education and business to healthcare and entertainment. Whether you’re an entrepreneur leveraging digital tools or a student exploring AI, technology is shaping our future.”
She further explained the mission of the event, stating, “At PIIT, we believe that knowledge is the foundation of progress. This event is designed to provide insights into how technology influences various fields and equip you with the digital skills needed to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving world.” She encouraged attendees to actively participate in the sessions and seize the opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and drive positive change.
The event attracted a wide range of distinguished guests, faculty, students, and professionals, making it a successful launch of an initiative poised to shape the future of Nigeria’s tech landscape.
