The Lagos State Government is set to showcase its technology and innovation sector at the 2024 Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX), held from October 13 to 18 at the Dubai World Trade Center in the United Arab Emirates.

Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat will lead the state’s delegation, which includes a mix of startups and established tech companies.

GITEX, the world’s largest technology expo, draws industry leaders from global tech firms, government entities, startups, investors, and corporate buyers.

The event highlights technology-driven transformations that shape the economies of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, making it an essential platform for connecting innovators and attracting investments.

Lagos’ contingent this year features companies involved in organizational ERP management, robotics, and software development, all of which are contributing to the state and national economy. Past GITEX events have been beneficial for Lagos, providing investment opportunities and fostering the growth of local tech startups.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, emphasized the importance of these engagements, stating, “Lagos State has begun to reap some benefits from its attendance and collaborations at past editions of GITEX. We are looking to secure over $3 million in investments through partnerships for startups and existing companies.”

Alake also highlighted the dividends of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s investments in the technology sector. He noted that since 2022, startups from Lagos have successfully gained grants and global partnerships through GITEX, with several startups achieving high rankings in competitions like the Supanova contest.

He said, “This is Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s vision for the ecosystem.”

Additionally, the Commissioner expressed a desire to expand government-to-government partnerships between Lagos and the UAE, as well as increase Lagos’ visibility in the tech ecosystem.

The state’s participation at GITEX has already attracted interest from the Dubai World Trade Center in potentially hosting a similar global technology event in Lagos, which would further bolster the local economy.

Dr. Hamzat is scheduled to participate in high-profile activities, including fireside chats and meetings with investors and government leaders, aimed at bringing further investment into Lagos.

GITEX 2024 promises to be a pivotal event for Lagos State as it seeks to position itself as a leading technology hub, drawing global partnerships and investments into its vibrant tech ecosystem.

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The Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, in partnership with Mac Tay Consulting Ltd, is set to launch a specialized ICT training program aimed at equipping 200 youths across the state’s five divisions—Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Epe, Ikorodu, and Ikeja—with essential digital skills.

The initiative, announced in a press statement by the Ministry, seeks to bridge the digital skills gap and enhance employability among young Lagosians.

The program will focus on Data Science and Full Stack Web Development, providing participants with critical skills that are increasingly in demand in today’s job market.

Speaking at a recent press briefing at the Secretariat in Alausa, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, underscored the program’s importance.

“Our objective is to close the digital skills gap and improve job prospects for young Lagosians,” said Ajigbotafe.

The four-month training program, scheduled to run from October 2024 to January 2025, will be held three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Participants will gain hands-on experience and earn globally recognized certifications, including the Information Technology Specialist – Data Analyst and Adobe Certified Professional – Web Authoring using Adobe Dreamweaver.

Ajigbotafe further emphasized that the initiative aligns with Lagos State’s broader T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which focuses on transforming various sectors of the state’s economy through education and skills development.

The launch of this training program comes amid a significant increase in digital skills demand in Nigeria.

Recent Google search trends show a 130% rise in searches related to artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria this year compared to the previous year, placing the country sixth in Africa and 25th globally for AI-related queries.

Additionally, searches for creating logos, CVs, websites, flyers, and slides using AI tools have surged by over 5,000%, reflecting a national trend toward leveraging technology for career advancement and innovation.

The surge in demand for digital skills is also evident in the increased use of mobile devices for online learning.

According to Coursera, 76% of Nigerian learners now access courses via mobile devices, indicating a preference for flexible, on-the-go learning solutions.

To address this skills gap, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy launched the 3 Million Technical Training program (3MTT) last year.

This ambitious initiative aims to provide three million Nigerians with essential technical skills over the next three years, further aligning with the country’s growing demand for digital and AI-related expertise.

The Lagos State ICT training program is another significant step towards equipping the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world, contributing to both their personal growth and the state’s economic development.

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