President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated tech expert Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as a minister, a move that has been commended by the Network of Advocates for Digital Reporting (NADIR). Tunji-Ojo, who represents the Akoko North East/Akoko North-West Federal Constituency of Ondo State, is among the first batch of ministerial nominees announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. NADIR’s Executive Director, Dahiru Lawal, praised Tinubu for selecting Tunji-Ojo, stating that it demonstrates the president’s commitment to advancing the country’s digital economy.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, born in 1982, studied Electronics and Communication Engineering at the University of North London (now London Metropolitan University) and graduated in 2005. He further obtained a master’s degree in Digital Communication and Networking from the same institution in 2006. Tunji-Ojo is credited with holding eighteen professional qualifications in ICT, including being one of the first certified ethical hackers from Royal Britannia IT Training Academy in the United Kingdom before the age of 24.
NADIR expressed great pride in Tunji-Ojo’s achievements in the global digital space and extended gratitude to President Tinubu for recognizing the capabilities of one of Nigeria’s talented youths for appointment to his cabinet. The organization also denounced the call by the Computer Guild of Nigeria (CGN) for the next Minister of Communication and Digital Economy to be a Christian, emphasizing that religion should not be a criterion for such appointments.
NADIR further condemned the demand for the removal of the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, despite his significant contributions in promoting technological innovation and digitalization. Inuwa’s leadership has played a pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s digital economy, as evidenced by the success of NITDA’s initiatives.
Under Inuwa’s guidance, NITDA unveiled the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024), which has significantly contributed to the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the country’s economy. Nigeria has become a leading destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in startups, attracting approximately $3.8 billion, accounting for about 35% of total FDI since 2019.
NITDA’s efforts have also resulted in the creation of numerous jobs. For instance, the Tech4COVID Committee facilitated the retention of over 100,000 ICT jobs and the creation of an additional 30,000 jobs in the post-COVID-19 era. Additionally, the NDPR compliance drive created 7,680 jobs and established a market valued at ₦1.2 billion.
The agency’s initiatives, such as the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA), have positively impacted the agricultural sector. NAVSA has engaged 900 farmers and generated over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, with the goal of involving 10 million farmers across the agricultural value chain by 2030.
NITDA’s establishment of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) has focused on training youths in cutting-edge technologies. The Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) was also created to support startups and nurture a conducive environment for their growth.
NADIR acknowledged Inuwa’s efforts in positioning Nigeria as a global IT Talent Factory, including the 1 million software developer initiative, which aligns with the federal government’s social investment goals. Over 215,500 Nigerians have completed or are currently participating in capacity-building programs, and 823,814 individuals have received digital literacy training.
President Tinubu’s nomination of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as a minister showcases a commitment to leveraging the talents of Nigeria’s youth in advancing the digital economy. As NADIR commends this decision, it also urges the inclusion of professionals from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing that religion should never be a determining factor in appointing individuals to key positions. Meanwhile, NADIR stands firm in its support of Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of NITDA, and his strides towards promoting technological innovation and digitalization in Nigeria.
