The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to positioning young tech talents at the centre of the state’s long-term economic prosperity. This affirmation came from the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, during the 2025 CODEFEST Nigerian Hackathon Expo & Awards held at the University of Lagos, Akoka.
Delivering his keynote address through his representative, Mrs. Kudirat Aderonke Bello, Director of Administration and Human Resources, the Commissioner lauded Codefest Nigeria for its exceptional contributions to national innovation. With 92 cutting-edge tech solutions developed and a Guinness World Record recognition to its name, he described the platform as clear proof of the ingenuity and global potential of Nigerian youths.
Ajigbotafe stressed that the state’s economic future rests more on ideas and digital innovation than on physical resources. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to converting the creativity of young people into tangible prosperity through structured skill development, entrepreneurship support, and expanded employment pathways.
“In today’s world, wealth is created by digging for ideas. Every solution showcased at this Hackathon has the potential to become a sustainable business, a job creator and a service that improves the lives of Lagos residents,” he said.
He urged participants to channel their expertise toward solving everyday challenges, including Primary Healthcare delivery, traffic management, and access to jobs. He added that the Lagos State Government stands ready to collaborate with innovators whose solutions can be integrated into various ministries and agencies.
Guest Speaker and CEO of Triberry Nigeria, Mr. Vinod Kaurati, highlighted the disruptive impact of Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Technologies on global economies. He projected that Africa is on course to become a global tech leader by 2030 — a shift that will require Nigeria to develop around 30 million tech professionals.
Similarly, the Managing Director of Mekatrice Group, Dr. Kingsley Oboti, underscored the indispensable role of digital infrastructure in accelerating Africa’s economic transformation.
A standout moment at the event was the demonstration of a remote-controlled car ingeniously built from waste materials by young innovator Israel Destiny, earning wide admiration from attendees.
Ajigbotafe commended Codefest International and the University of Lagos for their continued dedication to nurturing young innovators and strengthening the state’s tech ecosystem. He reaffirmed the government’s readiness to support creative talent as Lagos builds a future-driven, innovation-led workforce.