FIBOP Urges Youths to Harness AI, Digital Skills for Future Success
By Hannah Oginni,
Students and youths have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies to enhance their education, build careers and create wealth in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The call was made at the third edition of the Finance and Business Online Publishers (FIBOP) Youth Capacity Building and Empowerment Programme themed, “Digital Skills, Artificial Intelligence, Online Safety, Insurance and Financial Literacy for Nigerian Youth,” held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking during the programme, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) consultant, Okoi Ubi, advised students to take advantage of the numerous opportunities created by AI, stressing that the technology has become an integral part of modern life and business.
According to him, there is hardly any sector of the economy where AI is not being deployed, warning that professions and fields of study that fail to embrace the technology risk being left behind.
He noted that professionals across various sectors, including journalism, law, medicine, architecture and accounting, are already leveraging AI to improve productivity and advance their careers.
Ubi encouraged the students to utilise AI to support their studies, develop relevant skills and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
“If young people embrace AI and its opportunities early enough, they can become employers of labour even before completing their secondary school education,” he said.
The ICT expert cited the example of a young student he mentored who developed an application that is expected to be unveiled soon, describing it as proof that age is not a barrier to innovation and technological advancement.
While encouraging the positive use of AI, Ubi cautioned students against relying entirely on information generated by AI tools without verification.
“Don’t copy and paste information given to you by AI. Always endeavour to verify and use the information depending on what you want to achieve,” he advised.
He also warned against the misuse of AI for fraudulent activities, stressing that technology should be deployed responsibly and within the confines of the law.
Earlier in his opening remarks, FIBOP President, Mr. Charles Onwuatogwu, underscored the importance of quality education and skills acquisition in shaping the future of young people and driving national development.
Onwuatogwu said equipping youths with relevant digital and financial skills remains critical to personal growth and economic advancement, urging participants to take digital literacy and capacity development seriously.
He noted that the programme was organised as part of FIBOP’s commitment to youth empowerment and its corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at preparing Nigerian youths for emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
The event featured interactive sessions on digital skills, AI awareness, online safety, insurance education and financial literacy.
Participants demonstrated strong enthusiasm throughout the programme, particularly during the question-and-answer session where students sought clarification on the applications, opportunities and challenges associated with AI.
The interactive engagement culminated in the presentation of cash prizes to three students who distinguished themselves through insightful questions and exceptional participation.
