Commonwealth Day, celebrated annually on the second Monday of March, serves as a moment to reflect on the shared values of unity, innovation, and progress among the 56 member countries. In 2025, this global celebration took place on March 10th, with the theme “Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, and Transforming.” The day highlights the commitment to building a better future through collaboration and inclusivity.
One of the key initiatives introduced as part of Commonwealth Day celebrations is the Commonwealth AI Academy, which focuses on equipping young people with AI skills to drive innovation and solve societal challenges. Inspired by this initiative, Tantacom proudly led a special Commonwealth Day event on March 14, 2025, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), focusing on the transformative theme “AI, Youth, and the Future of Work.” The event aimed to empower young people to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for innovation, creativity, and career advancement.
Guests and Speakers Present:
The event was graced by notable figures, including:
- Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Youth and Social Development (Represented)
- Mr. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts, and Culture
- Ajibade Laoulu-Olawale, Chief Partnership Officer, WEMA Bank
- Oluwatoyin Atanda, National President, JCI
- Ayotunde Ayoola, Founder, Stringify Consulting
- Peter Oriaku, Team Lead, Google Africa SEO Department
- John Atomode, COO, D’Accubin Technology Ltd
- Chioma Nwahiri, Head Business Development, Momo
- Bulola Ogunsakin, Tech Lawyer & AI Optimization Consultant
- Abdbasit Saba, Commonwealth Youth Council African Region, Country Representative
- Members of Junior Chamber International (JCI)
Key Highlights:
The event featured insightful discussions and interactive sessions that emphasized the importance of AI in shaping the future of work. Speakers shared valuable insights on how young people can leverage AI tools to enhance their career prospects, foster innovation, and address societal challenges. Attendees also had the opportunity to network with experts and gain practical knowledge on AI applications in various industries.
- Government Advocacy for AI Adoption: Lagos State’s Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, emphasized the profound impact of AI on productivity and creativity. He highlighted that AI is creating new job roles in fields such as AI ethics, machine learning engineering, and data science, presenting vast opportunities for young professionals.
- Support for AI-Driven Initiatives: Mr. Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to supporting youth in AI initiatives. He urged young people to leverage AI for innovation and economic growth.
- Tantacom’s Vision: Tantacom Co-CEOs, Mrs. Jennifer Odufuwa and Mrs. Olufunke Adu, articulated a clear vision of AI as a catalyst for youth empowerment. They stressed that AI is revolutionizing industries and encouraged young people to embrace it as a partner in their professional journeys.
- Youth Engagement and Impact: Over 150 students from institutions such as UNILAG and Yaba College of Technology actively participated in the event. Attendees expressed their appreciation for the insights gained and acknowledged the program’s impact on their understanding of AI and future career paths.
The event was supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development, Nestle Pure Life, JCI Nigeria, Bigi, Momo PSB, and d’Accubin Technology.
The Commonwealth Day 2025 event, spearheaded by Tantacom, not only provided a platform for meaningful discussions on AI and its role in the future of work but also fostered collaboration between government officials, industry experts, and youth leaders.
As we move forward, Tantacom remains dedicated to driving impact, technological advancements and fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives. The event’s success underscores the importance of continuous engagement, capacity building, and collaboration in shaping a future where AI serves as a tool for progress and inclusive growth.
