A Lagos innovation advisor questions Nigeria’s readiness for the AI revolution, urging proactive building over passive consumption to avoid mass job displacement

Artificial Intelligence, the new magic word! Investors are funding it. Universities are teaching it. Even my WhatsApp uncle is forwarding AI-generated motivational quotes. In fact, it’s what the boys and I are always talking about over beer.

We’re all caught in the hype — and honestly, it’s exciting. But as the drums of this AI revolution beat louder, I find myself asking a different question:

Is Nigeria moving with it — or sleepwalking into an unfamiliar future?

Beyond the Hype: The Real Questions?

As someone standing in the middle of Nigeria’s innovation space, I’ve learned that real progress doesn’t just come from excitement.

It comes from asking the harder questions — the ones that make us uncomfortable before they make us better.

Because beneath all the celebration, I keep wondering: What does this AI revolution really mean for the average Lagos resident? Good or bad?

Or… are we even asking the right question? Let’s face it: AI is power. And like any form of power, it can either empower or marginalize — depending on who wields it, and why.

Already, AI can write better poems than me, paint portraits, produce mad afro beats music, generate movie scripts, Create deep fake videos, build websites and apps.

Soon, AI “agents” will be able to run businesses, book flights, negotiate deals, order food — basically run your daily life.

For the global economy, that’s progress.

But for a country like Nigeria — where millions of talented youths hustle, grind, and create every single day — I have to ask: Where does this leave us?

We are a nation of creative, hustlers, dreamers, builders. Do we risk becoming irrelevant in a world where machines do our jobs faster and better?

What happens when a prompt — just a few words — can produce what took someone years of sweat to perfect? It’s not just a job issue. It’s an identity issue!

Are we finally going to become Sophisticated… But Jobless?

We might be on the verge of raising a generation of sophisticatedly unemployed people. Smart. Ambitious. Highly educated.

But displaced by tools built in Silicon Valley — by people who don’t even know where Osun State is. Is that alarmist? No — it’s realistic. But realism doesn’t mean panic. It means preparation.

Are we on track?

This isn’t about resisting innovation — far from it. I’m proudly part of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. I believe AI can help us solve big problems — in healthcare, education, agriculture, even governance. But we can’t afford lazy excitement. We need active imagination.

We need to Build our own AI models (trained on African languages, Nigerian realities, and local problems), Revamp education(focus on critical thinking, not just certificates), Empower the creative industries (to see AI as a collaborator, not competition), Lead from the front —not always from behind.

Because let’s be honest, the future won’t wait and AI won’t ask for our permission to change the rules.

Is there still Hope for us?

Despite all the challenges, I believe in the Nigerian spirit. I’ve seen young Nigerians turn nothing into something, time and time again.

I don’t believe any machine can write our story for us — unless we let it. But we have to stay awake, we have to be strategic, we have to be audacious enough to build, not just consume.

My Final Thoughts: Let us start Asking Better Questions

The question isn’t “Will AI shape the future?” It’s: “What role will Nigeria play in creating that future?”

But even before we answer that, maybe we need to ask better questions: Is the idea of work about to be redefined?, Are we — after centuries of struggle — about to find ourselves back at square one?, If Africa doesn’t shape this technology, what will our future look like as mere consumers?

These are uncomfortable questions but from the right questions come the right actions. The future doesn’t belong to the loudest or the fastest. It belongs to those who ask the right questions early —and have the courage to build the answers.

About the Author

Akeem Hassan is an ecosystem builder and innovation adviser to the Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology.

Passionate about the intersection of technology, governance, and African prosperity, he works at the forefront of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem — building bridges between policy, creativity, and the future.

He believes Africa must not just adopt technology, but help define its next chapters.

By Akeem Hassan

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June 12, 2025

By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi- Shonibare

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigerians. 🇳🇬🇳🇬

Today, we remember. We salute. We celebrate.
Exactly 32 years ago, on June 12, 1993, a free, fair, and peaceful election was held—an election Nigerians agreed was the freest in our history.

Conducted through Option A4, a simple but transparent method of queuing behind your candidate, it produced a clear winner: Bashorun MKO Abiola.

There was no rain, no violence, and no doubt. The people spoke. But Nigeria’s self-styled “Maradona” chose to cancel that election.

After years of organizing maradonic gubernatorial, legislative, and presidential elections and banning “old and those he called corrupt politicians,” General Ibrahim Babangida betrayed the nation’s will and dismantled all democratic structures. The betrayal birthed a tragedy—and a movement.

MKO Abiola, the man of the people, the symbol of hope, confronted the military. He would later pay the ultimate price for democracy—with his life.

In those dark days, many died on the streets of Ikorodu Road, and across Nigeria. Journalists were silenced, activists hounded, and democracy went into exile.

Among those who ran for their lives was Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President, who fled through the NADECO underground to London where he became a pillar of the resistance.

“The future of Nigeria depends on the sacrifices we make today.” — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

It was a season f blood and steel. Yet, from those ashes arose voices of courage and dignity: Gani Fawehinmi, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Femi Falana, Anthony Enahoro, Abraham Adesanya, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Bola Ige, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and many more, some known, many unknown, whose stories are written in blood and fire.

Today, President Tinubu rightly honors these heroes, including journalists like Kunle Ajibade, Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, and Nosa Igiebor, who risked it all to keep truth alive.

He also honors brave activists like Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), and Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON)—symbols of resistance whose legacies are immortal.

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela

Positive Changes Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Though the road remains long, Nigeria is finally making structural, painful, and necessary changes:

1. Fuel subsidy removal — Ending a multi-trillion-naira black hole.

2. Unification of exchange rates — Removing arbitrage and corruption.

3. Empowerment of Local Production — Encouraging Made-in-Nigeria.

4. Judicial and Constitutional Reforms — Advocating for local government autonomy.

5. Welfare and Safety Nets — With bold initiatives for direct intervention.

6. Digital Economy and Fintech Growth — Creating jobs and global reach.

7. Recognition of Historical Truths — June 12 declared Democracy Day.

Yet, we still have many rivers to cross. To truly reach the Promise Land, reforms must deepen:

Urgent Areas Needing Change:

True local Government Autonomy: Real power must return to the grassroots.

State Policing: Security must begin at home.

Judicial Independence: Speedy, fair, and firm justice.

Education Reform: From certificates to skills.

Infrastructure Drive: Roads, rails, and reliable electricity.

Youths and Women Inclusion: Not as tokens, but partners in leadership.

Food security across the country for all citizens.

A Tribute to the Heroes of Our Democracy

“The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” — Obafemi Awolowo

Known and Unknown Heroes (Honored or Not)

Bashorun MKO Abiola (GCFR)

Kudirat Abiola

Frank Kokori

Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON)

Gani Fawehinmi

Anthony Enahoro

Pa Reuben Fasoranti (CFR)

Beko Ransome-Kuti

Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON)

Alfred Rewane

Ayo Opadokun

Senator Abraham Adesanya

Chief Bola Ige (CFR)

Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON)

Femi Falana, SAN (CON)

Dapo Olorunyomi (OON)

Kunle Ajibade (OON)

Bayo Onanuga (CON)

Chief Akabashorun

Prof. Olatunji Dare

Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR)

Mama Bisoye Tejuosho

Alhaja Suliat Adedeji

Dr. Kayode Fayemi

Aare Dele Momodu

The PM News, TheNews & Tempo Crews
(BKO, Babafemi Ojudu, Dapo Olorunniola, Seye Kehide etc.)

All unknown soldiers of democracy — Activists, mothers, students, journalists, clergy, and civil society workers who refused to bow.

To Our Villains: Not Forgotten, but Forgiven.

Let their names fade into the dark corners of history—a lesson that power without conscience is a curse.

And So We March On…

From the days of draconian decrees and midnight arrests to the sunlight of ballots and open discourse, Nigeria has come far. But we must never forget

“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” — Barack Obama

We are still writing this story.
Let our children read in future that we fought, we endured, and we prevailed.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

Let us honor the past, correct the present, and shape a future worthy of our sacrifices.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless our heroes.
Long live democracy..

Let us honor the past, correct the present, and shape a future worthy of our sacrifices.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless our heroes.
Long live democracy.
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By Ayo Mojoyin

In the bustling heart of Lagos, one name continues to resonate with compassion, leadership, and unrelenting commitment to the people — Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Far beyond the title and the office, Obasa embodies the spirit of service, especially to the community that raised him — Agege.

Over the years, Obasa has quietly but consistently woven a fabric of support around his people, touching lives through actions that speak louder than any campaign slogan. For the residents of Agege, he is not just a political figure; he is a father, a mentor, and a symbol of hope.

A Leader Who Listens, A Servant Who Acts

Long before the cameras arrive and long after the headlines fade, Obasa remains rooted in his commitment to grassroots empowerment. Whether it’s facilitating access to education, expanding infrastructure, or delivering food relief to the vulnerable, his touch is deeply personal and enduring.

Each year, hundreds of students in Agege receive free GCE forms, many of whom are from families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. For Obasa, education is the most powerful gift one can offer — and he gives it freely, without fanfare.

Beyond academics, his passion for youth empowerment shines through skill acquisition programs, job creation support, and direct mentorship. He doesn’t just support dreams — he funds them, guides them, and celebrates them.

The Transformation of Agege: From Ordinary to Outstanding

Under Obasa’s watch, Agege has witnessed a remarkable transformation. Roads that were once impassable have been rehabilitated. Health centers have received upgrades. Modern structures, including recreational spaces and learning centers, now dot the landscape — all thanks to his influence and advocacy.

But perhaps the most symbolic achievement remains the community’s evolution into what many now call “Mini London.” The aesthetic and structural improvements in Agege reflect the Speaker’s vision: a Lagos where development is not limited to elite zones, but extends to the grassroots.

Compassion During Crisis

In the face of hardship, Obasa has never hesitated to extend a helping hand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he spearheaded relief efforts that reached thousands of families. Bags of rice, loaves of bread, and other essentials were distributed across Agege — not as charity, but as a gesture of solidarity.

This is the essence of Obasa’s leadership: responsive, humane, and people-first.

A Legacy Etched in Love and Service

Obasa’s story is one of rising through the ranks without losing sight of his roots. From humble beginnings to occupying the highest legislative office in Lagos State, he has never forgotten Agege — and Agege has never stopped loving him in return.

Today, his legacy is written not just in legislative acts or awards, but in the grateful hearts of mothers, students, artisans, and elders who have felt his impact firsthand.

Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa is not just building infrastructure — he is building people. Not just creating policies — but creating possibilities. And as long as he remains in public service, the people of Agege and Lagos will continue to rise with him.