The teeming Ikorodu Division students, under the aegis of National Association of Ikorodu Division Students (NAIDS), to embrace A1 tools and technology for business and innovation.
The NAIDS Students’ Fair and Summit 2025, held at the auditorium of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) with the theme “Harnessing Knowledge for a Sustainable Future,” convened students, innovators, community leaders, and educators for a day of dialogue, exploration, and intellectual engagement.
The event began with an inspiring address from the President of NAIDS (National Association of Ikorodu Division Students) , Comr. Ogunbowale Olatayo Bodunrin, who described the gathering as a defining milestone in the pursuit of youth development and intellectual empowerment within Ikorodu Division. He explained that the summit was born out of the conviction that students across the division possess the knowledge, creativity, and courage to shape a brighter and more sustainable future. He emphasized the importance of unlocking the value embedded in education, technology, and cultural heritage, stressing that the theme was not just a topic but a call to action.
Ogunbowale urged students from the five LCDAs and LGAs represented, alongside participants from various institutions and organizations, to seize the moment – to learn, collaborate, network, expand their possibilities, and recognize that they are not too young to influence their environment.
The conversation subsequently shifted to technology as Mayor Muyideen Sanwoola, Direct Director-General of iCare Foundation gave an insightful presentation “21st-Century Emerging Trends in Technology for Undergraduates.” He highlighted the importance of staying informed about modern technology, especially the rising trend of artificial intelligence. He emphasized that students do not need to be computer professionals to benefit from AI; acquiring basic literacy, particularly in prompting AI tools, is enough to begin transforming their ideas into reality.
He noted that AI will not replace humans so long as they position themselves as valuable individuals willing to solve problems and continuously upskill. He shared a number of personal experiences that captivated the audience, illustrating how technology can accelerate personal and academic growth.
Concluding Sanwoola recommended user-friendly tools such as VEO3, Nano Banana Pro, and Perplexity AI, encouraging students to explore them as part of their journey into digital competence.
In the same spirit, Dr. Olumide Metiletu encouraged students to embrace AI wholeheartedly, describing it as a tool that amplifies curiosity and deepens knowledge. He asserted that technology has become essential in every learning space, likening it to the modern pen and paper needed to drive education forward. He noted that much of the knowledge previously acquired has become outdated, emphasizing that staying relevant requires evolving with technological advancements and actively seeking new opportunities.
The summit’s creative and cultural segment featured a captivating spoken word performance by Impacter Seyitan, whose powerful delivery received an enthusiastic response from the audience. This was followed by a vibrant cultural dance display, further celebrating the richness of Ikorodu’s heritage.
A Penelope Session themed “Preserving Our Roots: Legacy & Heritage of Ikorodu Division” brought deeper cultural reflection as panelists Dr. Abiodun Fatai Abatan and Otunba Olaniyi Banjoko, moderated by Mr. Waliu Adeyeri discussed the importance of tracing one’s roots and preserving Yoruba history.
They emphasized the urgency of preserving the Yoruba language, describing it as a vital component of identity and communal pride.
As the program progressed, students participated in a business pitch session assessed by judges made up of Mr. Hassan Bashiru and Mr. Olumide Shofowora. Their presentations showcased creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial promise among the young participants.
The event climaxed with the presentation of awards and appreciation plaques to the business pitch panel judges, sponsors, organizers, and distinguished groups whose contributions made the summit a success.
The summit closed with a renewed sense of purpose, leaving students motivated to embrace knowledge, technology, culture, and opportunity as tools for building a sustainable future for themselves and the Ikorodu Division.
Some of the distinguished guests that graveodg tne summit were, Prof. Sakiru Abiodun Okedeyi, Engr. Tokunbo Oyenuga, Oba Femi Ogunlana, and many others whose presence added value to the summit.
