Nigeria may be left behind in global development if it fails to fully embrace the ongoing technological revolution, a founding father of JCI Senator GWO Shoaga has warned.

Shoaga issued the caution on Friday at the JCI Aso 2025 Convention and Investiture in Abuja, held to commemorate the organisation’s 25th anniversary.

He said the world had entered a new phase of innovation driven by information technology, stressing that only countries that empower their youth to lead technological advancement would remain competitive.

“This is another form of revolution happening globally. For a country not to be part of it means it will continue to fall behind,” he said.

Shoaga noted that technology had become the instrument for national development, comparing the current digital wave to the industrial revolution shaped by young people centuries ago.

He added that Nigeria must support its youth through mentorship, exposure and opportunities.

“Technology development is what is used all over the world to get better as individuals and as nations. To be part of it, you have to develop your youth, encourage them and support them,” he said.

While acknowledging concerns about misuse of digital tools, he said abuses should not be mistaken for disadvantages, insisting that innovation remained overwhelmingly beneficial.

Also speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of the Abuja Investment Company Limited, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, called for intergenerational collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s digital growth.

She emphasised that young innovators needed guidance from older professionals to maximise opportunities in the tech space.

“With connectivity and renewable energy expanding to rural areas, young people must learn, ask questions and balance excitement with wisdom from older generations,” she said.

A former university Vice-Chancellor at the event also urged youths to redirect their skills from cybercrime to legitimate innovation, warning that fraudulent activities offer limited returns compared to the immense wealth available in technology.

“The money they make in fraud is nothing compared to what innovation can give them. Nigerians can be richer than Elon Musk if they innovate,” he said.