Ijesa Tech Conference Holds Today

The Ijesa Digital Hub, Thursday, announced that the maiden edition of the
Ijesa Tech Conference 2026 will hold today, Friday, 17 July, 2026, at the Royal Park Hotel, Iloko-Ijesa.

In a press statement he issued in Iloko-Ijesa on Thursday, Dr. Wale Omole, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ijesa Digital Hub, said the event will
bring together technology leaders, educators, policy makers, business executives, students, and
community stakeholders to celebrate innovation and the future of digital transformation in Ijesaland.

Alonge stated further that the conference will also serve as the grand finale of the Ijesa Tech Prize Competition 2026, the flagship initiative of the Ijesa Digital Citizenship Programme, which attracted 65 secondary schools from across the
six Local Government Areas of Ijesaland.

The competition, according to him, was designed to identify, nurture, and inspire
digital talent among secondary school students while promoting technology education and innovation.

One of the major highlights of the event will be the presentation of ₦5 million worth of technology training
scholarships at the Ijesa Digital Hub to the 20 students who qualified for the final stage of the Ijesa Tech Prize Competition.

In addition, over ₦1 million in cash prizes will be presented to the top-performing
schools and outstanding students in recognition of their exceptional performances.

He then announced the winners of the Ijesa Tech Prize Competition 2026 as:

Overall Category:

First Place: Olashore International School, Iloko-Ijesa

Second Place: Christ Model College, Ibokun

Third Place: Iloko Model College, Iloko-Ijesa

Public School Category

First Place: Methodist High School, Ilesa

Second Place: Ijebu-Jesa Grammar School, Ijebu-Jesa

Third Place: Atakunmosa High School, Osu

Speaking ahead of the conference, Prince Abimbola Olashore, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of IGAD, the organisation behind Ijesa Digital Hub, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of
Ijesaland.

“The Ijesa Tech Prize,” Prince Olasore says, “is much more than an academic competition. It is an investment in our future. By identifying exceptional young talents and equipping them with digital skills, we are laying the foundation
for a new generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders who will drive economic growth
and global competitiveness.”

Another major highlight of the conference will be the official launch of the Ijesa Business Directory, a strategic digital platform designed to showcase businesses across Ijesaland, promote local enterprise, facilitate investment opportunities, and strengthen economic collaboration within the region.

The conference will also feature a high-level panel discussion titled: “Igniting Innovation in Ijesaland and Beyond”, which will be moderated by the Executive Director of Ijesa Digital Hub, Dr. Cornelius Adewale.

The discussion will bring together respected leaders from business, technology and public service, including Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, Dr. Ebenezer Ajayi, Mr. Tunji Igbalajobi, Mr. Oluwafemi Bakare, Sir Chief Gbenga
Obisesan and Lady Modupe Ajayi Gbadebo, to explore strategies for accelerating innovation, digital
transformation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development across Ijesaland and beyond.

The event will be chaired by Sir Chief Felix Fagbohungbe, while Prince Abimbola Olashore will serve as the
Chief Host. The Royal Father of the Day is His Imperial Majesty Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III,
the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, whose presence underscores the traditional
institution’s enduring commitment to education, youth development, innovation, and regional progress.

Ijesa Digital Hub expressed appreciation to its partners, sponsors, participating schools, teachers, parents,
volunteers, and supporters whose contributions have made the maiden edition of the Ijesa Tech Prize
Competition and the Ijesa Tech Conference a landmark initiative for the region.

The Hub reaffirmed its commitment to expanding opportunities for young people through digital skills development, technology education, entrepreneurship, STEM education, innovation programmes, and strategic partnerships that position Ijesaland as a leading centre for digital excellence in Nigeria.

About Ijesa Digital Hub

Ijesa Digital Hub is an initiative of Ijesaland Global Development Association (IGAD), a non-profit
organisation committed to advancing innovation, technology, education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable
development across Ijesaland. Through the Hub, IGAD is empowering young people with digital skills, promoting STEM education, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and driving digital citizenship initiatives that prepare the next generation to thrive in the 21st-century economy.

Flagship programmes such as the Ijesa Digital Citizenship Programme and the Ijesa Tech Prize Competition reflect IGAD’s commitment to nurturing talent, expanding opportunities, and positioning Ijesaland as a leading hub for innovation and digital excellence in Nigeria.

IGAD Board of Trustees

Prince Abimbola Olashore (Chairman)
Dr. Wale Alonge
Alhaji Lateef Bakare, Ajirowa of Ijesaland
Sir Demola Aladekomo
Prof. David Olowookere
Pastor Olaitan Obileye
Dr. Babatunde Ojo

1. Media Contact
   Communications Office
   Ijesa Digital Hub
   Email: [email protected]
   Website: www.ijeshadigitalhub.com