A grade II UNESCO Institute, the Institute for Africa Culture and International Understanding (IACIU) has asked Nigerian government to work towards effective digital transformation as part of efforts to drive economic growth, innovation, and social progress.
As technology advances at an unprecedented rate, IACIU stressed the urgency of equipping African youths with the necessary skills to leverage this digital transformation effectively.
The advice was given during the Africa Regional Digital Skills Workshop held for young creative artists to promote cultural goods and services in the digital environment organised by the Institute at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta , Ogun State Capital on Monday.
BusinessDay reports that the workshop was a convergence of young creative artists in the State capital held with a view to learning digital skills as well as using the skills to promoting cultural goods and services.
Peter Okebukola, Professor Emeritus and the Institute’s Director, underlined Africa’s immense potentials and youthful population, positioning the continent on the verge of a digital revolution that could fundamentally redefine its future.
Peter Okebukola noted that the initiative would in turn help Nigeria achieve the objectives of the 2005 UNESCO Convention, which he said, meant to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions.
He said,“In today’s rapidly evolving world, digital transformation has become a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and social progress. Africa, with its vast potential and youthful population, stands on the brink of a digital revolution that could reshape its future.
“As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, it is essential to empower African youth with the skills necessary to bridge this gap and harness the opportunities offered by the digital age”, Okebukola noted.
The Professor Emeritus stated that the IACIU would birth new entrepreneurs in the cultural and creative industries, saying the industries had become essential for inclusive economic growth.
“The institute will continue to raise awareness about the UNESCO 2005 convention and encourages state parties to utilize the digital environment in promoting this very important convention”, he said.
