The Alternative Bank has reiterated its commitment to equipping young innovators with essential technological resources, highlighting the importance of supporting Nigeria’s youth in closing the digital skills gap. The announcement was made during the Jericho Businessmen Club’s (JBC) third Annual Socio-Economic Summit, which convened business leaders, policymakers, and academics to discuss sustainable economic models and strategies for addressing emerging digital challenges among Nigerian youths.
In a statement on Sunday, the non-interest bank emphasised that nation-building depends on strategic investment in human capital. Young innovators, the Bank noted, require mentorship, ecosystem support, and access to critical tools to transform ideas into scalable, impactful solutions. The Executive Director (South) of The Alternative Bank, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, underscored the central role of technology as a driver of economic inclusion and global competitiveness. He stated that investing in youth-focused technology development is vital for Nigeria’s long-term economic resilience, describing technology as “the most potent equaliser in modern commerce.” He added that by empowering young people through technological capacity building, the Bank is not only providing financial alternatives but also creating opportunities for local talent to thrive on a global stage.
Demola-Adeniyi further disclosed that the Bank plans to leverage strategic partnerships identified at the summit to launch tailored non-interest financing schemes specifically designed for technology entrepreneurs. Additionally, the Bank intends to roll out vocational skills acquisition programmes aimed at transforming local innovation hubs into centres of excellence capable of producing world-class digital solutions.
The Bank stressed that these initiatives align with Nigeria’s broader economic objectives, particularly efforts to diversify national revenue beyond oil and strengthen emerging sectors. A vibrant technology ecosystem, it argued, is key to building a knowledge-driven economy capable of attracting foreign direct investment and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital marketplace. By equipping young people with relevant digital and vocational skills, the Bank highlighted, it is also tackling youth unemployment while fostering the creation of high-value services across multiple industries outcomes that are crucial for long-term, sustainable economic growth.
According to the Bank, the discussions and outcomes of the JBC summit reinforce its mandate to promote inclusive economic growth and impact-driven projects that directly benefit local communities. The Alternative Bank pledged to continue collaborating with private-sector organisations, academic institutions, and industry associations to establish platforms that nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
The Bank also noted that sustained cooperation between business and educational stakeholders is essential to bridging the digital divide, ensuring that Nigeria’s young population is prepared for the future of work. Its participation at the summit, the Bank stated, underscores its ongoing role in driving meaningful change across the financial and technology sectors while positioning Nigerian youth as pivotal contributors to the country’s digital transformation agenda.
By championing technology empowerment for young innovators, The Alternative Bank aims to strengthen Nigeria’s human capital, stimulate local innovation, and build a resilient economy that can compete in the global digital space.
