In a landmark address at the seventh National Young Consumer Contest Awards 2023, the executive vice chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Babatunde Irukera, has called on Nigerian youths to lead a digital revolution crucial for the nation’s economic resurgence.
Under the theme: “Fair Digital Finance,” Irukera underscored the youth’s pivotal role as a potent force capable of propelling Nigeria into a digital and innovative future.
He said the youths must adopt a focused and intentional approach to seize opportunities within the digital landscape.
“You may have heard on many occasions this saying, that future belongs to you, the youth. To the young people, the future belongs to you. Why? You have heard your parents, teachers say it. Whether you know the meaning or not, the future indeed, belongs to you. Digital technology space belongs to you, especially given Nigeria’s population as the largest in Africa.
“There is urgency in keying into the digital economy, especially by youths who constitute the majority of our population. Given the huge population of young people in Africa, it shows that the digital market is the future of Africa. Why is digital finance important? To direct your attention to the future.”
While acknowledging Nigeria’s progress in the startup sector, he openly admitted, “We are not yet where we should be, but we are making progress.”
Recognising the transformative impact of digital instruction on education, Irukera highlighted Nigeria’s emerging status as a hub for digital companies, noting the birth of six technology companies with a combined market capitalisation of $1 billion within the country over the last eight years.
The event also stood as a platform for celebration of exceptional talent. Peter Ukweso of Southern British High School in Calabar secured the first position.
In the secondary schools category, Southern British High School in Calabar emerged as the leader, followed by Ebira Muslim Community College in Okene, Kogi State, and Esteemed Standard High School in Jos, Plateau State.
