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By Adewale Sanyaolu
The deployment of technology and artificial intelligence must be intentional and purpose-driven to effectively shape the next generation of innovators and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.
Chief Digital Officer of Encrypse Limited, Mr. Desmond Nnebue, made this submission during a panel session on technology’s role in youth development at the Next Gen Tech Summit held recently.
Nnebue, who spoke on the responsible use of technology and AI in building Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, noted that while technology provides young people with scalable opportunities, its true value lies in purposeful application.
According to him, over-reliance on digital tools without balancing it with real-world problem-solving could weaken critical thinking among young people.
“Technology is a powerful enabler, but without intentionality, it creates dependency rather than capability. We need conscious and disciplined technology use that strengthens problem-solving skills, not replaces them,” he said.
While noting that digital transformation has become essential for economic growth, Nnebue, however, emphasised that successful implementation requires more than technology adoption.
He said: “At Encrypse, we work with organizations navigating digital transformation across the real estate, finance, and retail sectors. The pattern we see repeatedly is this: technology adoption without governance creates risk, while governance without implementation stalls progress. The solutions that work are those that balance innovation with responsibility from day one.”
Nnebue, who has designed software systems for telemedicine platforms, micro-lending solutions, and enterprise asset financing systems, highlighted the impact of technology and AI in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
He explained that digital health solutions are improving access to medical services, data management, and diagnostics, particularly in underserved communities.
He, however, noted that these innovations strengthen the healthcare system only when implemented with proper ethics, governance frameworks, and local understanding of Nigeria’s healthcare realities.
“We cannot simply copy-paste solutions built for different contexts. Nigerian problems require Nigerian solutions designed with our infrastructure constraints and cultural context in mind,” Nnebue added.
The Encrypse CDO noted that successful digital transformation requires organizations to integrate governance frameworks into their technology adoption strategies from the outset.
He urged stakeholders to align technology adoption with purpose, education, and long-term national development, rather than chasing trends without strategic direction.
