Participants at the Aso Villa Demo Day, a presidential initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through the use of new and emerging technologies, have been rewarded for their creative use of technology to develop needed solutions.
Mark Zuckerberg, who had before then, visited the Yaba technology hub in Lagos, said it is inspiring to see what young Nigerians have done in terms of app development and use of technology.
He said his trip to Nigeria has blown him away in terms of the talents he sees across the country. He noted that Nigerian youth will not just shape the country but will shape the whole world.
Airtel, one of the major sponsors of the initiative, endowed and presented cash prizes to the top three participants.
The colourful prize presentation ceremony, which held at the Aso Villa at the weekend was attended by Segun Ogunsanya, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President of Nigeria, Mark Zuckerberg, Founder of Facebook, Lai Mohammed, Minister of information, Adebayo Shittu, Minister of communication, amongst others.
Ogunsanya congratulated the winners and reaffirmed Airtel’s commitment to pioneering innovation in the telecoms industry as well as seeking credible platforms to support the Nigerian government and the country’s youth.
Speaking at the event, Osinbajo congratulated all the participants, saying they are all winners.
While lauding the country’s youth for their innovation, creativity, drive and entrepreneurial spirit, the Vice President said there is so much hope in what the young generation can do.
He also hinted that the Federal Government is currently exploring ways to cooperate with Facebook in the next few months.
Aso Villa Demo Day is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, job creation and economic growth through the use of new and emerging technologies. An initiative of the Presidency, the maiden edition celebrated some of the best Nigerians in technology innovation and creativity and also featured inspiring talks from thought leaders and experts from different economic sectors in Nigeria.
Jumoke Akiyode
