FIBOP SETS STAGE FOR THIRD YOUTH CAPACITY BUILDING CONFERENCE IN LAGOS ON DIGITAL SKILLS AND AI

FIBOP SETS STAGE FOR THIRD YOUTH CAPACITY BUILDING CONFERENCE IN LAGOS ON DIGITAL SKILLS AND AI
By Prince Benson Davies

Senior secondary school students in Lagos will have the opportunity to interact with technology experts, finance professionals, and policymakers when the Finance and Business Online Publishers Association, FiBOP, holds the third edition of its Youth Capacity Building and Empowerment Programme on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The event will take place at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference Centre in Ikeja.

The 2026 edition is themed “Digital Skills, Artificial Intelligence, Online Safety, Insurance and Financial Literacy for Nigerian Youth”. FiBOP said the programme was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the practical skills students need to navigate the digital economy, make informed financial decisions, and stay safe online.

Hundreds of students and educators are expected to participate alongside representatives from government, insurance companies, fintech firms, and digital literacy organisations. The organisers noted that the mix of participants will create a platform for mentorship, career guidance, and direct engagement between young people and industry practitioners.

A key component of this year’s conference is an Artificial Intelligence Masterclass led by a seasoned AI practitioner. The session will give students hands-on exposure to AI tools, show them how the technology is applied in real-world problems, and introduce them to career paths in data science, machine learning, and digital innovation. Other sessions will cover basic digital skills, responsible internet use, the role of insurance in personal and business protection, and fundamentals of saving, budgeting, and investment.

Speaking on the programme, FiBOP President, Charles Onwuatogwu, said the association is driven by the need to prepare Nigerian youths for a future that is increasingly technology-led. He explained that the conference is structured to expose students to knowledge and networks that will help them make better academic and career choices. He added that FiBOP’s role as online media professionals also places the association in a strong position to promote credible information and digital responsibility among young users.

The Head of the Organising Committee, Barnabas Esiet, confirmed that all logistical arrangements and partnerships have been concluded. He said facilitators and resource persons have been selected to ensure the sessions are practical and relatable for secondary school students. He added that interactive discussions and mentorship corners will allow participants to ask questions and receive guidance from professionals in technology, finance, insurance, and public service.

The Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Lagos State, is also expected at the event alongside other government officials. Their participation, FiBOP noted, will strengthen the link between policy, education, and industry as Lagos continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and youth development.

Now in its third year, the FiBOP Youth Capacity Building and Empowerment Programme reflects the association’s ongoing commitment to digital inclusion and financial education. By connecting students with experts and decision-makers, the initiative aims to equip young Nigerians with skills that support personal growth, entrepreneurship, and responsible citizenship in a fast-changing economy.