From Soji Fagbemi
The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), David Daser, has called on young Nigerians to take advantage of the growing wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by developing innovative technology-driven solutions that address pressing societal challenges.
Mr. Daser made the call on Monday, August 10, 2026, while delivering a keynote address titled “Future Ready Mind: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Intelligence and Responsible Innovation” at the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) held at the British Nigerian School, Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja, north central, Nigeria.
The DBI President/CEO was represented at the event by the Institute’s Head of Learning and Development, Emeka Nzeih.
Addressing the gathering of young leaders, Daser encouraged Nigerian youths to cultivate digital intelligence alongside technical competence. He described digital intelligence as a broad combination of technical, cognitive, and social skills that enabled individuals and organisations to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
“Digital intelligence encompasses not only the ability to use digital tools effectively, but also the capacity to understand, evaluate, and apply digital information in meaningful ways,” he said.
He noted that emerging technologies such as AI, Big Data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) were rapidly transforming global industries, making digital intelligence a critical driver of innovation, productivity, and inclusive economic growth.
Highlighting the enormous opportunities available in both domestic and international markets, Daser referenced successful Nigerian technology companies including Moniepoint, Interswitch, Andela, OPay, and Flutterwave.
According to him, these companies started as ideas designed to solve specific problems and had since grown into industry leaders.
He stressed that Nigeria’s large and vibrant youthful population represented a ready market for products and services that effectively addressed real-life challenges.
Daser added that young innovators who focused on solving problems through technology could achieve remarkable success.
While advocating rapid technological adoption, Daser emphasised that innovation must be guided by ethics and accountability.
“Digital intelligence is about navigating technology wisely; responsible innovation is about building and deploying technology ethically,” he stated, urging participants to see themselves as ethical innovators.” Daser said.
He challenged the young leaders to evaluate every new application, idea, or digital content by asking five critical questions before release: Who benefits from this solution? Who could be harmed by it? Is it truthful? Is it fair? Would I be comfortable if my name were permanently attached to it?
Daser concluded by encouraging the participants to embrace responsible digital citizenship through greater cybersecurity awareness, online safety practices, and the maintenance of a positive digital footprint as they prepare for the future of technology.
The Rotary Youth Leadership Academy is an annual programme designed to equip young people with leadership, innovation, and civic responsibility skills for national development.
