The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has urged Nigerian youths to take active roles in shaping global technology governance, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and international security, warning against the exclusion of African perspectives in the development of emerging technologies.
Aribasoye gave the charge while delivering a keynote address titled, “Diplomacy and Technology: The Role of Nigerian Youth in Shaping Global Issues,” at the Afe Babalola University Model United Nations (ABUADMUN), organised under the theme, “Steering the Machine: Governing AI and Technology for Global Security and Equity.”
He challenged young Nigerians to move beyond consuming digital innovations and become creators, inventors and contributors to technological advancement, stressing that Nigeria and Africa could not afford to depend solely on innovations developed by other countries.
The Speaker expressed concern that artificial intelligence systems largely trained on Western data, values and perspectives could misrepresent African realities and produce solutions that fail to address the continent’s peculiar challenges.
He therefore called for the inclusion of African data, voices and values in global technology governance to ensure fairness, equity and representation in the development of artificial intelligence.
Aribasoye also emphasised the need for responsible digital engagement, urging the delegates to resist misinformation, propaganda and deliberate falsehoods while promoting truthful narratives about Nigeria on the international stage.
Describing himself as a bridge between the pre-internet era and the present generation of digital natives, the lawmaker noted that technological advancement had transformed communication, diplomacy and the exchange of ideas across geographical boundaries.
He urged the youths to take advantage of these opportunities by developing their intellectual and creative abilities rather than surrendering their attention to distractions and unproductive activities.
The Speaker further called on the delegates to look beyond the conventional expectations of Model United Nations activities and position themselves as future global leaders capable of combining innovation with integrity, competence and responsibility.
Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations in which students represent different countries to deliberate on international issues, negotiate solutions and develop an understanding of global diplomacy and multilateral relations.
