•Inclusivity, innovation non-negotiable for sustainable development
By Vivian Onyebukwa
Abideen Olasupo is a man of many parts. An innovative entrepreneur and AI in journalism expert, he’s the Global Director of Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, as well as the CEO of MyAIFactChecker, Africa’s first AI-powered fact-checking platform. He is also the convener of FactCheckAfrica.
With a background in civic technology and leadership, Abideen has represented Nigeria on global stages, delivering impactful solutions at the intersection of technology, governance and development.
In this interview, he gives more insights into his engagements and the multifarious values he adds to the various areas of his professional preoccupations as well as patronage accessibility to his skills and corporate services.
What do you do as a business leader and technology consultant? Who are your targets?
I offer services that focus on capacity building, strategic consulting, digital transformation and innovation development. These include designing and implementing civic tech solutions, such as MyAIFactChecker, providing tailored AI-driven media literacy programmes and delivering leadership training for youth and women in underserved communities.
My patronage targets include governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), media organisations and youth-focused institutions looking to leverage technology for impactful societal development. Additionally, I work with start-ups, entrepreneurs, and policy organisations to develop strategies that align innovation with sustainable growth goals.
What have been your impacts in stimulating growth in Nigerian industries? And in what specific ways can your professional impacts galvanise industrial growth and economic development in Nigeria?
My training at Harvard and Lagos Business Schools equipped me with the strategic foresight to innovate solutions that bridge gaps in governance, technology and economic empowerment. Through FactCheckAfrica, I’ve combated misinformation and fostered accountability in media and governance.
As the Global Director of Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), I’ve spearheaded projects like YouthGovTracka and EVIT, which promote transparency in government and drive civic participation.
To galvanise industrial growth, I focus on empowering SMEs and entrepreneurs with digital tools and strategies for growth, mentoring start-ups in tech adoption, and providing frameworks for ethical AI use in business. These initiatives strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, enhance innovation, and create opportunities for youth and women, aligning with national development goals.
As the founder of FactCheckAfrica, how do you tackle the menace of fake news on social media? And what’s your message in addressing it?
At Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative and FactCheckAfrica, we anchor projects that promote civic engagement, media literacy, good governance. FactCheckAfrica leverages AI-powered tools like MyAIFactChecker to verify and debunk misinformation in real time, particularly on social media platforms. We focus on public education through workshops and campaigns, empowering citizens to discern credible information from fake news. By training over 50,000 individuals and partnering with 170 newsrooms, we’ve amplified responsible journalism and media literacy across Africa.
My message is clear: Misinformation undermines trust and democracy. We must adopt collaborative, community-based approaches to counter fake news while advocating for ethical digital practices and robust media literacy programmes that empower people to navigate the digital information ecosystem responsibly.
What’s the dHub Innovation Centre and researcher centre all about? And to what extent do you optimise and showcase its values as well as your research preoccupations?
dHub Innovation Centre is a technology and innovation hub designed to nurture creative minds and incubate ideas that address societal challenges. The centre focuses on tech-based solutions, offering training in digital skills, entrepreneurship and civic technology. My role includes designing programmes that empower youths with skills like AI development and tech-driven problem-solving, creating a pipeline of innovators ready to tackle Africa’s challenges.
My research focuses on intersection of technology and society, exploring how AI can foster development, bridge digital divides and amplify underrepresented voices. Through dHub, I showcase these values by mentoring start-ups, developing scalable projects and fostering partnerships that drive impact.
As an ambassador for “One Young World”, how would you stimulate support for the youths?
I believe youths are catalysts for innovation and change. As a ‘One Young World” Ambassador, I’ve championed initiatives like YVoteNaija to drive youth participation in governance. To further stimulate support, I advocate policies that prioritise youth inclusion in decision-making and provide platforms for their voices to be heard. I also mentor young leaders through programmes like the ‘Space for Her Fellowship”, equipping them with the skills to lead transformative projects by bridging the gap between policymakers and youths. I aim to create a generation of active and informed citizens that can drive Nigeria’s progress.
What critical lessons would you expect Nigeria’s leaders to apply in engendering socio-political and economic development as part of efforts to survive the current challenges facing the country?
I have had opportunities to deliver keynote speeches at prestigious events such as COP26 in Glasgow and the 2021 Africa Student for Liberty Conference. I have also represented Nigeria at Johns Hopkins University and the United Nations Anti-Corruption Forum. From these global platforms, one clear lesson emerges: inclusivity and innovation are non-negotiable for sustainable development. Nigeria’s leaders must prioritise youth engagement, leveraging their creativity to drive progress. Leaders should also embrace technology, particularly in governance, to enhance transparency and accountability.
Additionally, fostering partnerships between public and private sectors can catalyse economic growth. By investing in digital infrastructure, ethical AI adoption as well as education reform, Nigeria can unlock its potential to become a global hub for innovation and development.
I urge Nigeria’s leaders to adopt a people-centric approach, focusing on sustainable policies and partnerships to create a lasting progress.
In what ways do you expect government and its officials, organisations and prominent individuals to access your skills to be able to add more value to themselves and the nation?
I envision my skills as a bridge between innovation and societal needs. Governments and organisations can collaborate with me to design civic tech tools that enhance transparency, accountability and public engagement.
My expertise in digital transformation can support policies that promote ethical AI use and digital literacy, fostering an inclusive digital economy. Through partnerships, I can mentor emerging leaders, develop community-focused programmes and create frameworks for sustainable development, ensuring Nigeria remains competitive on the global stage.
