The event which was organized through the joint effort of Opolo Global Innovations Limited and the Bank of Industry was themed, 'Innovation and Entrepreneurship for National Development through University Communities.' It also witnessed the launch of a Digital Innovation and Business Start-up Hub (DIBUSH) for the University.
Professor Adebooye lamented the alarming rise in cases of crime and other vices among Nigeria youth. He explained that the youth could put their talents to better uses instead of embracing sharp practices which offer only short term benefits.
He said, "It's saddening that youths of today employ sharp practices to live beyond their means. The money you are looking for through sharp practices can be gotten through legitimate means like E-tech. A lot of youths today are raking in huge sums from digital knowledge and you can join the trend by taking advantage of schemes like this."
"When I was writing my mission statement in August, 2021 while applying for the UNIOSUN Vice-Chancellorship, I expressly stated that I would strengthen our digital hub in the area of Machine Learning, and I am happy that today, this mission is on the route to fulfilment," he added.
He promised to strengthen the University's Digital Innovation and Business Start-up Hub in the area of Machine Learning.
The Innovent witnessed a panel session which was moderated by the University's DIBUSH coordinator, Dr. Femi Abanikannda. Subsequent sessions had panellists such as the Oracle Academy Program Manager, Sub Saharan Africa, Ms. Bekere Amassoma; Talent Manager, Huawei, Mr. Kenneth Igwe; Chief Digital Officer, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Mrs. Lola Aworanti-Ekugo; Director, Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory, UNIOSUN, Prof. Sunday Babatunde Akinde; and President, Odu'a Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ODUCCIMA), Prince Kayode Adeyemi.
The panellists gave their perspectives on innovation, entrepreneurship and national development, and how the Nigerian University network can tap emerging opportunities in tech to broaden knowledge and prepare undergraduates to find opportunities in the unfolding IT-driven global economy.
The Chairman of Opolo Global Innovations Limited, Dr. Segun Aina, OFR in his keynote speech spoke about how Opolo Global Innovations OGI is on a journey to support innovators in Nigeria and clamoured for the commercialization of innovation and research works.
Goodwill messages were thereafter taken from a host of prominent individuals including the Honorable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami; the Honorable Minister for Youths and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare; Director for International Relations, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Brazil, Prof. Vladimir Oliviera Di Iorio; ED. FARA- African Union, Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo; FinTech and Digital Finance Specialist, IFC-World Bank Group, Dr. Konstantinos Tsanis; CEO, AfriLabs, Ms. Anna Ekeledo; and Country Manager, Microsoft, Nigeria & Ghana, Mrs. Olatomiwa Williams.
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, in his address, advised the students to take advantage of the University Digital Hub. He stated that the Osun State government is committed to youth development, and it is looking forward to building a robust partnership framework with private-led businesses. He emphasized that this would ensure that vital resources are deployed to help the booming youth population grow their tech capabilities.