In a move to bridge the gap between research and innovation, the University of Lagos has launched an artificial intelligence-themed UniPOD, an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme.

This cutting-edge platform aims to empower African youth to drive industrial progress and economic transformation, according to UNDP in a statement.

Speaking at the launch, UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Professor Folashade Ogunwola, highlighted the importance of innovation and design thinking.

The UniPOD is one of 13 being set up across Africa, focusing on thematic areas such as agritech, healthtech, greentech, and more.

By providing a supportive ecosystem for innovative entrepreneurship, the UniPOD is poised to unlock the potential of African youth and drive sustainable development.

Ogunwola said: “UniPOD aims to encourage students in universities to engage in innovation and design thinking.

“The project is multi-pronged and focuses on supporting and growing innovative, scalable, and impactful entrepreneurship by African young people, while relying on a springboard of partners who together will contribute meaningfully to building an African youth innovation and start-up ecosystem.”

She further described the UniPOD as a “living and breathing hub, where a community of dreamers, thinkers, and doers is united by a common passion: the pursuit of groundbreaking ideas and the relentless drive to turn them into reality”.

The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP’s Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, emphasised the need to invest in the creative industry and technology to achieve economic transformation.

“We must invest in the creative industry, in the development of music, fashion, movies, creative entertainment generally, and technology, thereby turning the wheel as an anchor in economic transformation,” Eziakonwa stated.

e, held to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse, the Chairman of the MTN Foundation, Prince  Adelusi-Adeluyi, emphasized the critical need for the ASAP initiative.

“Five years ago, we examined the dire situation and concluded that something had to be done about the menace of substance abuse. We felt it was time to address the problem beyond boardroom speeches, leading to the birth of ASAP,” he stated.

Adelusi-Adeluyi stressed that while drug abuse is a global issue, each nation must tailor its approach to address unique challenges.

He expressed his gratitude to the NDLEA and UNODC for their steadfast support over the years.

Substance abuse remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, further aggravated by high unemployment rates.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Nigeria rose to 5.0 percent in the third quarter of 2023, up from 4.2 per cent in the previous quarter.

This economic hardship has led many youths to turn to substance use as an escape, with studies indicating that 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 use drugs, nearly three times the global average.

The Hon. Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Mr. Mobolaji Ogundele, representing the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, highlighted the state’s commitment to tackling substance abuse.

“In Lagos State, we have witnessed the devastating impact of drug abuse on families, communities, and the socio-economic fabric of our society,” Ogundele said.

He praised the ASAP initiative and the MTN Foundation’s efforts, aligning with the state’s vision to safeguard the future of Nigeria’s youth.

The Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, expressed gratitude for the partnership with Lagos State.