The maiden edition of the Ijesa Tech Conference 2026 has concluded in Iloko-Ijesa, Osun State, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and human capital development as essential drivers of sustainable growth across Ijesaland.
The conference, organised by Ijesa Digital Hub, an initiative of the Ijesaland Global Alliance for Development (IGAD), brought together traditional rulers, technology experts, business leaders, educators, policymakers, development partners, and students to explore opportunities in the digital economy while celebrating outstanding achievements in technology and innovation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of IGAD, Prince Abimbola Olashore, reiterated the organisation's commitment to investing in people, technology, and innovation as catalysts for regional development.
The Conference Chairman, Sir Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN), represented by the Ajirowa of Ijesaland, Chief (Alhaji) Lateef Akande Bakare, commended IGAD and its partners for creating initiatives that empower young people and prepare Ijesaland for future economic prosperity.
A major highlight of the event was a panel session titled "Igniting Innovation in Ijesaland and Beyond," moderated by the Executive Director of Ijesa Digital Hub, Dr. Cornelius Adewale. The discussion featured leading professionals in business and technology who shared insights on entrepreneurship, digital transformation, innovation, and the future of work.
During the session, cybersecurity expert and Founder of CyberCode Limited, Mr. Tunji Igbalajobi, challenged participants to move beyond being consumers of technology.
"Don't just be consumers online; be producers. Innovation starts with production, not consumption," he said, encouraging young people to create solutions and leverage technology to address real-world challenges.
One of the conference's biggest highlights was the presentation of ₦5 million worth of technology training scholarships through a partnership between the Ijesa Development Council (IDC) IVETP Programme and IGAD.
Under the initiative, students from the top four schools in each of the five participating local government areas of Ijesaland received ₦250,000 scholarships to undertake technology training at the Ijesa Digital Hub. The scholarship presentation was led by the Vice President of IGAD, Dr. Wale Alonge.
The conference also recognised outstanding performances in the maiden Ijesa Tech Prize Competition, which featured participants from secondary schools across the five local government areas of Ijesaland.
In the Public School Category, Methodist High School, Ilesa emerged as the overall winner, while Ijebu-Ijesa Grammar School, Ijebu-Ijesa finished second and Atakunmosa High School, Osu came third. The awards were presented by Prince Abimbola Olashore.
Cash prizes were also presented to the overall winners of the competition. Olashore International School, Iloko-Ijesa won the overall first prize with ₦250,000, while its student representative, Abdulrahman Babasanya, received ₦50,000.
Christ Model College, Ibokun secured second place, earning ₦150,000, while its student representative, Karonwi Oluwanifemi, received ₦30,000.
Iloko Model College, Iloko-Ijesa came third with a ₦100,000 prize, while its student representative, Abigeal Akinola, received ₦20,000.
Another major milestone of the conference was the graduation of 46 beneficiaries of the Ijesa Digital Hub, who successfully completed intensive training in Cybersecurity, Software Development, UI/UX Design, Data Analytics, and AI Tools Mastery.
Certificates were presented to the graduates by the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, His Royal Majesty Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe, Ajagbusi-Ekun VI. The training programme was funded through a matching grant partnership between the Ijesa Development Council and IGAD.
Speaking on behalf of the Ijesa Development Council, Lady Modupe Ajayi Gbadebo, Vice President II of the Council, described the collaboration with IGAD as a model partnership capable of accelerating human capital development across Ijesaland. She expressed confidence that the initiative would continue to create life-changing opportunities for young people.
The conference concluded with royal blessings from the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, who commended IGAD and the Ijesa Digital Hub for their dedication to education, innovation, and youth empowerment.
The monarch pledged his continued support for initiatives that will position Ijesaland as a leading centre for technology, innovation, and sustainable development.
Reflecting on the success of the maiden conference, IGAD reaffirmed its commitment to expanding investments in digital skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic partnerships aimed at empowering young people, strengthening institutions, and unlocking new economic opportunities across Ijesaland.
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