By Juliet Umeh
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to grow its creative economy and unlock new frontiers of opportunity, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has declared that technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, will play a defining role in shaping the nation’s future.
Speaking at the fourth edition of the Cavista Technologies Hackathon themed “From Data to Prevention: AI as Your Health Partner,” the Minister commended the initiative for creating a platform where young Nigerians are building practical solutions to real-world problems.
She said, “Platforms like this hackathon empower young Nigerians to transform their talents into solutions that fuel economic growth and enhance the nation’s creative ecosystem.”
Highlighting the growing convergence between technology and culture, she added, “The Ministry recognises the vital role technology plays in unlocking possibilities across storytelling, digital content development, and the broader creative sector.”
According to her, initiatives that place Artificial Intelligence in the hands of young innovators are not just academic exercises but strategic investments in Nigeria’s economic future.
Her remarks set a powerful tone for the competition, which attracted over 200 students across 47 teams from leading tertiary institutions in Lagos State.
At the end of the intense contest, Team ByteBros from Lagos State University emerged as overall winner, clinching the N2 million grand prize after outperforming 46 other teams.
This year’s theme challenged participants to rethink healthcare by leveraging AI to shift from reactive treatment to preventive care, turning data into an early-warning system capable of saving lives.
In her welcome address, General Manager of Cavista Technologies, Oyebola Morakinyo, underscored the urgency of innovation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“In a world where technology evolves almost at the speed of light, hackathons remind us why pushing boundaries matters. We are not here just to host a competition, but to create a space for the visionaries who will define tomorrow,” she said.
Morakinyo also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to building a strong local talent pipeline.
“We always want to hire the best and the brightest. We want to ensure that talent is available here at Cavista Tech, talent that embodies our innovative corporate values and has the confidence to take on challenges anywhere in the industry,” she added.
The competition saw strong representation from Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Pan-Atlantic University and University of Lagos.
Team Mannalon from Pan-Atlantic University secured second place with ¦ 1 million, while Team Nibbles from Lagos State University of Science and Technology claimed third place with N500, 000.
In a further show of encouragement, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide, awarded N400,000 each to the fourth and fifth place teams.
Beyond the prize money, participants gained mentorship opportunities, industry exposure and potential collaboration pathways, benefits that extend far beyond the competition stage.
As a flagship initiative of Cavista Technologies, a global technology solutions and development services company, the hackathon continues to reinforce the message echoed by the Minister: Nigeria’s creative ambitions and technological advancement are inseparable.
Under the banner of “From Data to Prevention,” the event demonstrated that Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept. In the hands of Nigerian youth, it is becoming a practical tool, one capable of transforming healthcare, strengthening the creative economy and redefining the country’s digital future.
And if the energy displayed at the hackathon is any indication that future is already in motion.
The post Why AI is critical to Nigeria’s economic growth — Arts & Culture Minister appeared first on Vanguard News.
