Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday stressed the importance of digital technology to human existence saying every aspect of human life had been affected.
Osinbajo made the remark during the opening of Techmoney Africa Summit held at the University of Lagos.
The summit is organised by Unicorn Group owned by Chief Kola Abiola, son of the acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election in Nigeria, the late Chief MKO Abiola.
Represented by Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu, Osinbajo said there was no doubt that with its effect, digital technology had become significant in the growth of any economy.
He said very soon digital technology would be deployed in more aspects of lives than it is at present.
His words: “Digital technology will be deployed in logistics and transport, the provision of smart housing solutions and smart power grids. It will be used to tackle environmental challenges and will contribute positively to growing actions against climate change. In short it will change the way we all live and enable a better quality of life in every sector.”
Speaking at the occasion, Abiola stated that two important initiatives would be announced at the end of the two day summit.
“At the end of the conference, we will be announcing two very important initiatives with our silicon valley partners that will directly change the lives of some of our delegates and hackers here today,” he said.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, in a speech delivered by Mr. Segun Adeniji, said the present government would focus on prioritizing critical investments in public education to enable the children compete well in the digital age.
“We plan on making Lagos a 21st century through transportation, education, technology and health,” he said.
Hamzat further stated that innovation played a vital role in the growth of global economy.
He said the state, it was believed, would move forward in the area of technology and innovation.
According to him it was already partnering with others to lay a fibre-optic-powered information superhighway.
Hamzat also disclosed that there was an ongoing discussion with the private sector on posting Lagos as a tech talent pipeline for the world through training and job placements.
He said the government could not wait to achieve the desired result of a greater Lagos.
“A Lagos that is truly the innovation hub of Africa, a Lagos with a thousand Andelas, and tens of paga, a Lagos with CCHub in all the senatorial districts, a logistic hub for Amazon. We are aware that we have to harness the technology in Lagos and make a hub for the future generations. We are also aware that failure is not an option. Lagos can and must harness technology and embrace innovation,” he said.
