At 65, Nigeria stands at a pivotal crossroads. Our history tells the story of resilience, ingenuity, and community spirit. Yet, it is our future, defined by how we embrace technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence, that holds the greatest promise.
Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and home to one of the most dynamic youth populations in the world. With over 60% of Nigerians under 25, the opportunity to harness their creativity, energy, and digital potential is extraordinary. But opportunity must be matched with infrastructure, skills development, and visionary leadership.
Building on Our Legacy
Nigeria’s journey has been shaped by individuals and communities who dared to reimagine possibilities. From our writers and artists to our entrepreneurs and scientists, Nigeria has always been a nation of innovators. Today, as we reflect on 65 years of independence, the question before us is: how do we extend this legacy into a digital-first, AI-driven world?
Technology as a Catalyst
Digital technology is not just about connectivity, it is about empowerment. When harnessed with equity in mind, it has the power to break cycles of poverty, expand access to education, and unlock entrepreneurship. The fintech revolution is one example: Nigerian startups have disrupted the global stage, creating platforms that serve millions and redefining financial inclusion across the continent.
Similarly, the rise of e-health, edtech, and agritech demonstrates that Nigerian innovation is not just local but scalable. From mobile health solutions reaching rural mothers to AI-driven platforms supporting farmers, technology has become a lifeline and a multiplier of impact.
The Promise and Responsibility of AI
Artificial Intelligence is the defining technology of our era. For Nigeria, AI represents a chance to leapfrog barriers that have held us back in education, healthcare, and governance. Imagine AI-driven tools that diagnose diseases in remote villages, or intelligent platforms that personalise education for children who have historically been left behind.
But AI also comes with responsibility. We must ask: who designs these systems, whose values are embedded, and who benefits? As Nigeria advances, it is critical that we do not simply consume global technologies but also shape them with our voices, cultures, and priorities. That means investing in AI research, supporting local developers, and ensuring ethical frameworks that protect citizens.
My Reflection as an Awardee
As someone who has been recognised for work in STEM, AI, and digital inclusion, I have seen firsthand the power of technology to transform lives, especially for women and marginalised communities. Recognition as an awardee is not only a personal milestone; it is a reminder of responsibility. It reminds me that every accolade must be matched with advocacy: for the girl in Enugu dreaming of coding, for the boy in Kano building a drone from scraps, for the communities across Nigeria waiting for their ideas to be heard.
Awards do not mark the end of a journey, they mark the beginning of deeper service. They provide a platform to amplify the need for inclusive policies, investment in STEM education, and partnerships that ensure no one is left behind in the digital era.
Advocating for Nigeria Magazine @15
As Nigeria Magazine celebrates 15 years, its role is more important than ever. This platform has been a bridge between history and progress, between voices of the past and visions of the future. At a time when narratives shape reality, Nigeria Magazine ensures that our people see themselves reflected not just as survivors of history, but as pioneers of the future.
By chronicling the successes and struggles of our nation, the magazine contributes to building the confidence of generations who will carry Nigeria forward.
As an advocate, I see Nigeria Magazine as both a record and a call to action, a reminder that Nigeria at 65 must not only celebrate its independence but accelerate towards digital sovereignty.
A Call to Action
Nigeria at 65 must choose courage over comfort, innovation over inertia, and inclusion over inequality. We must:
- Invest in STEM Education – Prioritising access for girls and underserved communities.
- Build Ethical AI Frameworks – To protect Nigerians while encouraging innovation.
- Champion Digital Inclusion – Ensuring rural and urban populations alike benefit from connectivity.
- Foster Global Partnerships – Not as passive recipients, but as equal contributors shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Conclusion
At 65, Nigeria has the chance to lead Africa into a future defined not by limitations but by possibilities. By embracing technology, innovation, and AI with intentionality, we can empower communities, transform industries, and inspire the world.
Our story is still being written, and it is up to us to ensure it is a story of impact, inclusion, and innovation.
As we celebrate Nigeria at 65 and Nigeria Magazine at 15, let us move forward with boldness, vision, and unwavering belief that the best of Nigeria is not behind us, it is yet to come.
Paulette Watson MBE is proud to return as a Judge for the Elektra Awards for the second time. A leading force in STEM, AI, and digital inclusion, she is a multi-award nominee, Women in Tech Africa (Most Disruptive), National Diversity Awards, Barclays Entrepreneur Awards, Black British Talent Awards, Inclusive Awards, and the Powerlist.
As the visionary behind Academy Achievers and the #BeMeDigitalInclusion movement, Paulette is currently hosting two global events across Africa and Europe, amplifying her mission to empower underserved communities through technology and innovation.
