…Backs Hemingway’s  innovation drive for youths

President and Chairman of Council of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Engr. Leye Kupoluyi, has stressed the importance of exposing young Nigerians to robotics and artificial intelligence, describing such knowledge as critical to preparing the future workforce for emerging global realities.

Kupoluyi spoke during a five-day robotics and AI bootcamp organised by Hemingway’s Safaris Africa in partnership with the LCCI for members of the Young Explorers’ Club.

The programme, held from April 20 to 24, 2026, at the LCCI-BOI Innovation Hub in Lagos, brought together participants aged between 12 and 15 years for hands-on learning sessions focused on technology, innovation, and problem-solving.

The LCCI President commended Hemingway’s Safaris Africa for introducing a platform that combines travel, education, and innovation, noting that early exposure to emerging technologies would help equip young Africans with the skills needed to compete in an increasingly digital economy.

According to him, initiatives that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and practical application of technology are essential to national development and future job creation.

Participants at the bootcamp were grouped into teams and tasked with developing solutions to real-life challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The projects included hospital delivery robots to support healthcare workers, smart health alert devices for elderly care, route-optimization vehicles aimed at reducing carbon emissions, and intelligent traffic bollards to improve pedestrian safety.

Speaking at the event, the Sales Manager of Hemingway’s Safaris Africa, George Ogunjobi, who  represented the Managing Director,  said the programme forms part of the organisation’s broader vision of nurturing globally minded African youths through experiential learning and exposure to innovation.

He described members of the Young Explorers’ Club as partners in a long-term journey focused on shaping perspectives and encouraging young people to see technology as a tool for solving societal problems.

The robotics bootcamp follows an earlier educational mission by the club to NASA’s Teen Space Camp in Alabama, United States, and reflects Hemingway’s broader strategy of integrating intellectual development into family travel experiences.

A fireside discussion themed “Robotics for Impact” also featured at the event, with contributions from the Head of Member Experience at Hemingway’s Safaris Africa, Eucharia Egbuaba, and the Founder of Workhen AI, David Ejikeme Alozie.

Drawing from his experience leading technology programmes for global brands including MTN, Intel, and Uber, Alozie encouraged participants to focus on innovation that delivers measurable social value and addresses practical challenges within their communities.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of “Maestro,” Hemingway’s proprietary AI-powered travel platform currently in its pilot phase. The company said the technology is designed to help members engage more intentionally with destinations and learning experiences.

Participants received gift items and recognition prizes at the close of the programme.