Students from various schools gained valuable insights into Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital literacy and online safety during the third edition of the Finance and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) Youth Capacity Building and Empowerment Programme held in Lagos.
The event, themed “Digital Skills, Artificial Intelligence, Online Safety, Insurance and Financial Literacy for Nigerian Youth,” provided participants with practical knowledge on emerging technologies and the opportunities they offer.
Delivering the keynote presentation, ICT Consultant Okoi Ubi described AI as one of the most impactful technologies shaping the future of education, business and professional practice.
He urged students to embrace the technology and position themselves to benefit from its growing influence across industries.
According to Ubi, AI is already transforming professions such as journalism, law, medicine, architecture and accounting, making it imperative for young people to acquire relevant digital skills.
He encouraged students to use AI responsibly to improve learning outcomes, build innovative solutions and create employment opportunities.
“AI has come to stay. Those who embrace it early will have a significant advantage in the future,” he said.
While highlighting the benefits of AI, Ubi advised participants to verify information generated by AI tools and avoid blindly accepting or reproducing content without proper checks.
He further warned against using the technology for fraudulent activities, stressing that ethical use of AI is essential for sustainable development.
In a separate presentation, Dr. Deji Awobotu, Chief Executive Officer of ADRAC Professional Services Consulting, advised participants to become multi-skilled and begin pursuing professional qualifications in ffrom an early age.
He said the modern job market increasingly rewards individuals who possess diverse competencies and specialized knowledge.
Awobotu encouraged the students to complement their academic studies with professional development programmes, stressing that early exposure to finance, accounting and other professional disciplines could open doors to rewarding career opportunities in the future.
The interactive session that followed saw students actively engaging the resource person with questions on AI applications, career opportunities, challenges and future prospects.
The lively discussions reflected growing interest among young Nigerians in emerging technologies and digital innovation.
In his welcome address, FiBOP President Charles Onwuatogwu emphasised the importance of education and skills development in preparing young people for future opportunities.
He noted that digital literacy has become an essential requirement for personal growth and national development.
Onwuatogwu urged participants to remain committed to continuous learning and take advantage of programmes designed to improve their knowledge and employability.
The programme concluded with the presentation of cash prizes to three students who distinguished themselves through outstanding questions and active participation.
Head of the Organising Committee, Barnabas Esiet, said the initiative is part of FiBOP’s efforts to empower young Nigerians with knowledge in digital skills, artificial intelligence, online safety, insurance and financial literacy as part of its corporate social responsibility agenda.
Comment here