Youth Innovation Takes Centre Stage at XPLORE 2025: Minister and Tech Leaders Call for Strategic Partnerships

Written By: Flipbz.org

In a rallying call for a stronger digital future, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, joined government officials, industry players, and innovators at XPLORE 2025, urging a renewed focus on youth-led innovation. The workshop, held over the weekend at the National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja, convened under the theme “Shaping Africa’s Digital Future.” 

Representatives from key ministries and development agencies emphasized the urgent need for collaboration between the public and private sectors. As they noted, Nigeria must not position itself as a mere observer in the global race for technological leadership. 

Speaking on behalf of Olawande, Mr. Usman Yohanna praised the XPLORE Disruptors initiative, now in its second edition, for fueling a continent-wide digital transformation. He stressed that innovation thrives when governments, academia, and private enterprises unite, and vowed that the Ministry would foster policies to expand digital literacy, support startup incubation, and ensure every young Nigerian can access opportunities in the digital economy. 

Dr. Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), used the platform to align the government’s innovation ambitions with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Highlighting Nigeria’s missed chances during earlier industrial revolutions, he urged the nation to seize the Fourth Industrial Revolution through deliberate investment in space robotics, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. 

Ms. Maimunat Lawal, speaking for the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), lauded XPLORE 2025 for creating a shared space where young innovators, investors, startups, and policy makers could converge. She spotlighted ACCI’s four arms—the Dispute Resolution Centre, Policy Advocacy Centre, Abuja Trade Centre, and BEST Centre—as key players that will support capacity building, advocacy, and investment for startups. 

Leadership consultant Dr. Linus Okorie delivered a stirring message on global competitiveness, urging participants to build leadership skills that match the fast pace of technological change. “Innovation demands not just ideas, but transformational leadership,” he said. 

Light Ihesiulo, convener of XPLORE Disruptors, expressed gratitude to all participants and partners, calling youth engagement across Africa a driving force for the event. He shared his vision of helping young entrepreneurs build scalable, globally competitive businesses. 

According to the organisers, XPLORE Disruptors 2025 is now the largest tech gathering of its kind on the continent, dedicated to elevating young innovators who are redefining technology’s role across industries.