BENIN CITY — Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Ohimai Ehijimetor, has urged youths in the state to equip themselves with digital and technological skills needed to compete for an estimated 230 million jobs expected to emerge globally by 2030.
Speaking at the InspireX Summit 3.0 held at the University of Benin, the commissioner warned that millions of opportunities emerging within the global digital space could bypass Nigerian youths if they fail to position themselves strategically.
The summit, themed “Empowering the Next Generation: Leadership, Innovation and Energy for Africa’s Future,” brought together students, innovators, development partners and technology enthusiasts to discuss the role of innovation in shaping Africa’s future workforce. The programme also enjoyed the support of the United Nations Development Programme.
Delivering the keynote address, Ehijimetor cited projections by the World Bank indicating that about 230 million digital jobs are expected to emerge globally by 2030, stressing that Edo youths must not remain spectators in the unfolding technological revolution.
“Are Edo youths ready to fill this space, or will others across Sub-Saharan Africa take the opportunities meant for them?” he asked.
The commissioner urged students to embrace digital skills, innovation and entrepreneurship, noting that future leadership and economic relevance would be determined largely by technological competence and creativity.
He said the Edo State Government was already laying the foundation for a thriving digital ecosystem, revealing that Edo had become the first sub-national government in Nigeria to own a functional data centre.
According to him, the facility would soon be opened for collaboration with private sector partners to deepen digital infrastructure, innovation and investment opportunities across the state.
Ehijimetor further charged participants to adopt a bold and proactive mindset capable of driving transformation across Africa.
“Be the generation that stops waiting for permission and starts building with the opportunities already before you,” he said.
The InspireX Summit 3.0 served as a platform for inspiring young Nigerians towards innovation-driven leadership and reinforcing the growing importance of digital transformation in Africa’s economic future.
