Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing youth talent and accelerating Lagos’ growth through technology, as he joined top industry leaders at the Zenith Bank Tech Fair 5.0. The event, themed “Future Forward: Tech for Success – Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate!”, brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology enthusiasts for a day focused on creative problem-solving and digital transformation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu attended the fair alongside Jim Ovia, Founder of Zenith Bank, and Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director of the bank. He commended the organizers for sustaining a platform that encourages young Nigerians to embrace innovation and develop solutions with real-world impact. According to him, the theme of the fair serves as a powerful reminder of the need to stay curious, adapt quickly to global trends, and use emerging technologies as tools for unlocking new opportunities.
One of the highlights of the event was the hackathon and startup pitch competition, which attracted a diverse pool of young tech talents. Participants showcased solutions ranging from fintech and health-tech to sustainability and enterprise automation. Governor Sanwo-Olu praised their creativity and determination, noting that the energy and potential displayed by the youth continue to strengthen his belief in Nigeria’s capacity to build a more prosperous and technologically advanced future.
Beyond the financial rewards, he emphasized the long-term impact of the mentorship and incubation programme that awaits the finalists. This support system, he said, will help young innovators refine their concepts, scale their projects, and ultimately contribute to national development.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated that empowering young people with the tools, platforms, and partnerships they need is essential for driving inclusive growth. He pledged continued collaboration with private-sector partners like Zenith Bank to ensure Lagos remains a thriving hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and future-focused technology
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