The Alternative Bank has taken the lead in urging Nigeria to provide young innovators with the essential tech resources they need to thrive. The bank made this call during the Jericho Businessmen Club’s third Annual Socio-Economic Summit, an event that brought together business leaders, policymakers, and academics to discuss how to build sustainable economic models and close the growing digital skills gap among Nigerian youths.
The bank explained that genuine nation-building depends on deliberate investment in people, especially young innovators who rely on strong ecosystems, mentorship, and access to tools that help them turn bright ideas into scalable solutions. Korede Demola-Adeniyi, the bank’s Executive Director for the South, emphasized that technology remains one of the strongest drivers of inclusion and national competitiveness. He said Nigeria’s long-term economic resilience depends on strategic investments in technology development that uplift young people.
He described technology as the most powerful equalizer in modern business and explained that giving young Nigerians access to advanced digital tools prepares the economy for the future. He added that the bank stands for offering alternatives not only in financial services but also in opportunities, ensuring that talented Nigerians can compete on a global stage.
Demola-Adeniyi also revealed that the bank plans to pursue strategic partnerships identified at the summit. These partnerships will support new non-interest financing schemes tailored to tech entrepreneurs and vocational training programmes. He noted that such initiatives aim to strengthen local innovation hubs and turn them into centres capable of producing globally relevant digital solutions.
The bank stressed that its mission aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic goals, including diversifying revenue sources beyond crude oil and strengthening emerging sectors. A strong technology sector, it explained, is essential for building a knowledge-driven economy, attracting foreign investment, and positioning Nigeria as a serious player in the global digital marketplace.
It added that empowering young people with digital and vocational skills will help reduce youth unemployment and support the growth of high-value services across different industries. These outcomes are central to building a stable and sustainable economy with the capacity for long-term growth.
The Alternative Bank also highlighted that the summit’s conversations reaffirmed its focus on supporting inclusive economic growth and community-driven development projects. The bank promised to continue working closely with private-sector partners, educational institutions, and industry groups to create platforms that nurture innovation and entrepreneurship.
The bank described the summit as a timely effort, noting that meaningful collaboration between the business and education sectors is crucial for closing the digital divide and preparing Nigeria’s young population for the rapidly evolving future of work. It added that participating in the summit strengthened its role in driving real change across the financial and technology spaces, while helping young Nigerians become vital contributors to the country’s digital transformation.
