By Mustapha Salisu
The Arewa Tech Fest, an initiative to showcase the importance of building a technological ecosystem for job creation, is currently hosting its maiden two-day expo in Kano State.
The event, themed “Empowering Innovation for Economic Growth,” aims to discover and promote innovation and modern technology in Northern Nigeria, according to the Expo Chairman and former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai.
El-Rufai announced that future editions of the expo will be hosted across Northern states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He further revealed that Katsina State has been selected to host the 2025 edition of the expo.
Speaking earlier, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, expressed concern over Nigeria’s large population of unemployed youth, noting that the youthe are not adequately prepared for the fourth industrial revolution, driven by technology.
The Emir emphasized the need to start teaching tech skills to children for sustainability and self-reliance, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robots are rapidly taking over various sectors globally. “If we’re not careful, people could start losing jobs,” he warned.
He called on traditional leaders to engage the youth in tech development initiatives, which he believes will help reduce the unemployment rate across the country.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who represented Governor Abba K. Yusuf, acknowledged that Arewa Tech Fest is not just a festival but a platform for startups to showcase their talents and attract potential investors.
He expressed gratitude to the organizers for selecting Kano as the host of the maiden event and reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to rolling out various tech-driven initiatives while noting that technology is now a key catalyst for economic transformation.
PRIME TIME NEWS reports that other dignitaries who spoke at the event included Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, among others.
One of the event’s highlights was the presentation of a “Spotlight On” certificate to Governor Radda by Expo Chairman, Malam Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai, officially confirming Katsina as the host for the 2025 edition.