The Chief Executive Officer of Owllup, Stanley Anyanwu, has called on investors, the government, and Nigeria’s wealthy class to commit resources to building the country’s next generation of digital innovators.
Speaking at the official launch of Owllup in Abuja, Anyanwu said the platform was designed to connect young Nigerians to digital skills, mentorship, funding, and communities that would enable them to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.
“Of course, we are looking into getting investors because it’s not a one-man project. Actually, it’s a very big project. We are building a digital dream where one platform gives our youth one ticket to achieving their dreams,” he said.
Anyanwu stressed that Nigeria’s elite often undervalue technology-based ventures, preferring to invest in landed property rather than in the skills and innovation of young people.
“We Nigerians, we don’t believe in digital dreams. We always believe in landed property. And that’s why you see most Nigerians, we make money to oppress, not to develop. Instead of throwing money in the club, bring it to the youth that have this dream. Let’s build the country.
“A billionaire in Nigeria cannot match a 21-year-old billionaire who has gotten funding to build his career.” He said
According to the Owllup CEO, the platform is already operating with volunteers and small teams, but scaling its reach requires substantial investment.
“Technology is not a one-man thing. It’s something that everybody needs to come together and build,” he said.
Anyanwu added that Owllup’s model would train millions of Nigerian youths in different skills and then empower them to lead projects and mentor others.
“Use that money to bring every idea and set up a team in those people that have trained digitally to head the projects and mentor and monitor them to bring that project to life,” he explained.
While Owllup is also registered and recognized in the United Kingdom, Anyanwu said he hoped most of the investment would come from Nigerians so the project could remain rooted in the country.
“I wish that these investors come from our country, so the project will remain for the country and serve the purpose that it’s supposed to serve for the country,” he said.
He disclosed that discussions were underway with members of the political class, including state governors, to secure their buy-in for the initiative.
Anyanwu emphasized that young Nigerians are eager to learn but lack access to the right opportunities and resources.
“The youths are willing to learn, but that access is very, very important. Our dream is to put that business in Nigeria where we get the necessary things that we need to make sure that it works. This is already a successful project, but putting those funding to the right places is what will drive the growth,” he added.
Owllup’s launch event brought together innovators, creators, professionals, and policymakers, with Anyanwu urging all stakeholders to let the connection flow and keep building that Nigeria where every youth will have a voice, a skill, a purpose, and a future.
In an interview on the sidelines of the event, the Keynote Speaker, Oluwadamilola Okenla, stressed that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful economic advancement without embracing technology and innovation.
Okenla said there is a direct synergy between technological adoption and economic growth, adding that government and citizens alike must understand and leverage this relationship.
“There is no advancement without technology and there is no advancement without innovation. There is no economic advancement without technology and innovation. It is very important that we know this is a synergy,” she said.
According to Okenla, technology should be viewed as a complement to Nigeria’s traditions rather than a replacement. She likened modern fintech platforms such as PiggyVest to the traditional “Agile” savings system practiced by market women.
“Basically, we are preaching here the synergy, the integration of technology and innovations. The government can key into that and develop the Nigerian economy,” she said.
She urged the government to invest in digital literacy initiatives, including training on widely accessible tools such as Canva, Google Workspace, Excel, and social media marketing platforms. Such initiatives, she said, could be delivered in partnership with education-focused organisations already championing innovation.
Okenla also pointed to the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to support Nigeria’s digital economy.
“No country, you cannot build a good country, a great country in darkness. Our electricity system needs to be sharpened. There needs to be more power. The road infrastructure needs to be good for logistics business. That’s how the government can come in partnership,” she said.
She maintained that individuals must also change their mindset towards technology, rejecting the misconception that it undermines cultural values.
