Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has called on indigenes at home and abroad to step up efforts to empower young people so Ibadan can grow into an economic powerhouse that will help drive Nigeria’s development. He made the appeal at the 3rd Annual Socio-Economic Summit organised by the Jericho Businessmen Club in Ibadan, Oyo State. The summit focused on the theme Future-Ready Oyo State: Tech, Talent and Transformation for a Thriving Tomorrow and brought together notable indigenes and key figures in Nigeria’s technology sector to discuss how the digital economy can support national growth.
In his address, Oba Ladoja said young people remain the strength of every society and must receive continuous support through relevant skills and opportunities. He noted the efforts of government but explained that public action alone is not enough. He said, “I know government is trying, but government alone cannot do it. A club like Jericho Businessmen Club needs to support what government is doing and follow global trends in technology, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.” He encouraged private groups to expand their involvement in youth development and digital empowerment.
Speakers at the event shared practical ideas to strengthen local capacity, including targeted digital skills training, better infrastructure, stronger public-private partnerships and policies that encourage innovation and investment. They highlighted recent projects by the Jericho Businessmen Club, especially the Future-Ready Youth Digital Bootcamp, which is designed to equip young people in Ibadan with marketable tech skills and connect them to employers and investors.
Experts noted that the digital economy already plays a major role in Nigeria’s GDP. According to the Minister of Communications, the sector contributes between 16 and 18 percent, with ongoing plans to increase that figure through national digital strategies. Delegates at the summit said that reaching higher levels will require stakeholders to actively participate in shaping and influencing government policy to support the digital space.
Concerns were also raised about infrastructure gaps, with repeated calls for reliable power supply, affordable broadband and more investments in local tech hubs. Stakeholders agreed that sustained support for young people and an enabling policy environment are necessary if Ibadan is to regain and surpass its position as a major economic centre in the South-West.
The Jericho Businessmen Club stated that it will continue to work with government, private organisations and international partners to implement the summit’s recommendations and track progress on youth employment and digital inclusion.
