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…urge young innovators to combine digital skills with ethics and responsible technology

By Gloria Ikibah

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), David Daser, has charged young Nigerians to seize the opportunities presented by the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop technology-based solutions to some of the country’s most pressing challenges.

Daser gave the charge on Monday while delivering a keynote address titled “Future Ready Mind: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Intelligence and Responsible Innovation” at the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA), organised by the Rotary International District 9127, held at the British Nigerian School, Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja.

The DBI boss, who was represented by the Institute’s Head of Learning and Development, Emeka Nzeih, told the young leaders that technical skills alone will not be enough to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

He urged them to develop what he described as digital intelligence, combining technical knowledge with the ability to understand, assess and responsibly use digital technologies.

“Digital intelligence encompasses not only the ability to use digital tools effectively, but also the capacity to understand, evaluate, and apply digital information in meaningful ways,” he said.

Daser noted that technologies such as AI, Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT) were already reshaping industries around the world, making digital intelligence increasingly important to innovation, productivity and inclusive economic growth.

He therefore encouraged participants to look beyond seeking jobs and instead consider how technology can be used to solve problems and create opportunities for themselves and others.

Citing Nigerian technology companies such as Moniepoint, Interswitch, Andela, OPay and Flutterwave, Daser said many successful businesses in the country’s technology ecosystem started with simple ideas aimed at addressing specific challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s large youthful population also provides a substantial market for innovative products and services capable of responding to everyday needs.

He challenged young Nigerians to identify problems around them and explore how technology could provide practical and scalable solutions.

Daser, however, cautioned that the rush to embrace new technologies must not come at the expense of ethics and accountability.

“Digital intelligence is about navigating technology wisely; responsible innovation is about building and deploying technology ethically,” he added.

He urged the young leaders to see themselves not only as technology users but also as ethical innovators whose decisions could affect individuals and society.

Daser challenged participants to ask five questions before launching any new application, idea or digital content: “Who benefits from this solution? Who could be harmed by it? Is it truthful? Is it fair? Would I be comfortable if my name were permanently attached to it?”

He said answering those questions honestly can help young innovators avoid developing technologies that might cause harm, spread misinformation or undermine public trust.

The DBI chief executive also urged the participants to take cybersecurity and online safety seriously, warning that their activities online could have lasting consequences.

He encouraged them to build positive digital footprints, practise responsible digital citizenship and remain conscious of how their use of technology could affect their personal and professional futures.

Daser said the rapid pace of technological change meant young people needed to remain curious, adaptable and willing to continuously learn.

He expressed confidence that Nigerian youths can play a major role in shaping the country’s digital future if they combined innovation with responsibility and a clear understanding of the problems they sought to solve.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Academy is an annual initiative of Rotary International aimed at equipping young people with leadership, innovation and civic responsibility skills to prepare them for meaningful contributions to national development.

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The Delta State Government has announced the indefinite suspension of Hon.Izeze Rume Yakubu Reuben, Commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads) with immediate effect.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Eze Emu, the suspension is to enable the Security Agencies carry out an unbiased investigation of allegations associating him with the assault on the Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Mr. Simon Mudi also known as (Temple) at the Petroleum Training Institute(PTI) Effurun,recently.

The statement added that the State Government remains committed to the maintenance of public safety in all circumstances which guarantees law and order and the sanctity of lives.This position is upheld even when institutions of state are involved.

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The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr Peter Odey, has reportedly escaped an accident involving his convoy in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred at about 2pm on Sunday while Odey and his entourage were returning to Calabar from Obanliku Local Government Area, where they had attended a stakeholders’ engagement on the proposed concession of the Obudu Ranch Resort.Government Although the condition of the deputy governor could not be independently confirmed as of press time, several members of his convoy were reportedly injured in the crash.

Although the condition of the deputy governor could not be independently confirmed as of press time, several members of his convoy were reportedly injured in the crash.

A Government House press bus conveying some appointees and staff attached to the Office of the Deputy Governor was said to have veered off its lane near an Army checkpoint in Ugep before crashing into three sandbag barricades.News One of the occupants, whose identity was not immediately known, reportedly sustained an injury to the leg, while another was said to have suffered bleeding from the nose.

The extent of the injuries could not be immediately ascertained, as those involved were expected to undergo medical assessment.History Sources also disclosed that several vehicles were damaged in the accident, although the extent of the damage remained unclear.Lakes & Rivers The incident is reportedly the third accident involving the deputy governor’s convoy in the past two months, raising concerns over the condition and availability of vehicles attached to his office.

Further checks indicated that the fleet attached to the Office of the Deputy Governor had been depleted, with vehicles from the governor’s convoy reportedly being deployed for official movements when necessary. Officials in the Office of the Deputy Governor declined to comment on the incident when contacted. Further details on the crash, including the condition of the deputy governor and other persons involved, were still being awaited as authorities assess the incident.