The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its support for tech talent and innovation, calling CODEFEST a key driver of future growth.
Eko Hot News reports that the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe—represented by Mrs Kudirat Aderonke Bello—delivered the keynote address at the CODEFEST Nigerian Hackathon Expo & Awards 2025 held at the University of Lagos, celebrating the creativity and global potential of young innovators across Lagos State.
Ajigbotafe praised CODEFEST for its impressive achievements, including the development of 92 tech solutions and its recognition in the Guinness World Records. He described the platform as a symbol of the ingenuity powering Lagos State’s rising digital economy.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to converting youth potential into prosperity through skills training, entrepreneurship support, and employment opportunities. According to him, the future of wealth creation in Lagos State is rooted not in physical resources but in digital innovation and the strength of new ideas.
“In today’s world, wealth is created by digging for ideas,” he said, noting that every solution showcased at the Hackathon has the potential to evolve into a business, generate jobs, or improve essential services for Lagos residents.
He urged participants to build solutions targeting real-life challenges such as healthcare delivery, traffic management, and access to employment, assuring them that the Lagos State Government is ready to support and adopt viable innovations across ministries and agencies.
Guest Speaker and CEO of Triberry Nigeria, Mr Vinod Kaurati, highlighted the transformative power of Automation, AI, and Cloud Technology, predicting Africa’s emergence as a global tech powerhouse by 2030 and projecting the need for 30 million tech professionals in Nigeria alone.
Dr Kingsley Oboti, Managing Director of Mekatrice Group, emphasised the importance of digital infrastructure in accelerating Africa’s economic transformation.
One of the standout moments at the event was the demonstration of a remote-controlled car built entirely from discarded materials by young innovator Israel Destiny—an invention that drew admiration from participants and guests, underscoring the talent emerging from Lagos State’s tech ecosystem.
