“To think of driving alone across the Sahara Desert is frightening. To actually do it is daunting. To repeat it is a miracle.” This powerful sentiment, articulated by the Executive Secretary of FADE (Fight Against Desert Encroachment), encapsulates the essence of extraordinary ventures, where fear, difficulty, and persistence intertwine. The Sahara Desert, with its vast expanse of seemingly endless sand dunes and unforgiving climate, is perhaps one of the most formidable natural obstacles on Earth. To cross it alone, facing the elements and the solitude, is an unimaginable feat for many. Yet, to attempt such a venture again, to take on that same Herculean challenge more than once, is no mere act of bravery. It is an assertion of determination, resilience, and vision.

In many ways, this concept mirrors the journey we are embarking on today; the monumental shift into a new digital era, accompanied by transformations in economic, cultural, and social dynamics. The technological revolution that is unfolding before our eyes is nothing short of transformative. However, the true question that we must ask ourselves is not whether this transition is occurring, for it undoubtedly is, but rather: Are we, the students and future leaders, prepared to take full advantage of this new age of digital empowerment? Are we prepared to rise to the occasion and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape?

As I reflect on my own life’s work, I cannot help but wonder: If circumstances allow me, would any of you be willing to join me on an upcoming expedition? Perhaps next year, as my age and security considerations permit, I might undertake another bold journey; from Asaba to London, a journey through diverse terrains, cultures, and experiences. Who among you would be willing to step into the unknown, to embark on an exploration of both the physical and digital worlds?

Over six decades ago, when I first set out on my journeys and advocacy efforts, I committed myself to a simple yet profound philosophy: I must leave this planet Earth in a better state than I found it. In the 1960s, during the early years of my exploration, I navigated the world with nothing more than a compass and a slide rule. These tools represented the analogue era, an era of limited technological advancements. Yet, with the use of these basic instruments, I was able to chart a course across continents, from London to Nigeria and back, while advocating for various causes I believed in. As the years passed, however, the world began to change. The analogue tools I once relied on became obsolete, replaced by the advent of digital technology and, more specifically, satellite-based GPS systems. Today, we are on the brink of yet another revolution: the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. We find ourselves at the intersection of progress and possibility, where the digital landscape is expanding rapidly, and the frontiers of exploration are now defined not just by geography but by the virtual world itself.

As we stand on the precipice of this new digital age, I reflect on the personal and professional evolution that has brought me to this moment. The journey I undertook with a simple compass has transformed into an odyssey into the future, driven by the boundless potential of technology. But this journey is far from over. In fact, I believe that we are just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible. In this context, the digital world is not just a realm of new gadgets and platforms; it is a vast, uncharted terrain, a modern-day Sahara that demands not only technical expertise but also vision, determination, and a willingness to explore.

My exploration of this new frontier has been extensive, both in terms of physical expeditions and my engagement with the world of digital technology. I have already undertaken three major expeditions: the first, from London to Nigeria; the second, back from Nigeria to London; and the third, a collaborative effort with other explorers and visionaries, focused on global issues such as environmental sustainability and social justice. Now, at this stage of my life, back in my home state of Delta, I find myself embarking on what could be my most important expedition yet: The Digital Empowerment of Students.

In my eighties, I had returned to Dennis Osadebay University, one of the institutions close to my heart, to engage with the students and staff on this most crucial journey. The initiative I launched there was not merely about disseminating information; it was about creating a platform for young minds to acquire and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the digital age. We had lived in a time when digital tools and resources were more accessible than ever, from online platforms that offered vast knowledge to satellite technologies that provided a window into the world. But the true value lay not in merely having access to information, but in how we utilized it to shape our future.

This initiative, Digital Empowerment for Students, is designed to impart the vital skills required to navigate and thrive in the future. It focuses on several critical areas: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Digital Marketing, Environmental Change Awareness, Web and Mobile Application Development, and Entrepreneurial Innovation in the Digital Space. These fields are not just buzzwords; they represent the very tools that will define the future tools that will enable you, the future leaders, to innovate, solve global challenges, and create new opportunities.

The world is increasingly interconnected, and the digital age is no longer a distant future but a present reality. However, there is still much to be done to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all students, regardless of background, are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in this new era. It is not enough to simply access information—we must also cultivate the critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit necessary to turn that information into action. It is in this spirit that I stand before you today, offering not only knowledge but a call to action: Are you prepared to take up the mantle and lead the charge into the digital future?

To inspire and guide us on this journey, I would like to share with you the words of four of the most influential leaders in history; individuals whose ideas and visions have shaped the course of the modern world. These leaders understood the importance of progress, justice, and sacrifice, and their words continue to resonate deeply with me as I embark on this new chapter of my life.

The first quote comes from John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, who in the early 1960s delivered a speech that has since become iconic. He declared: “Dwell not upon what bounties your Nation might lavish upon you, but rather ponder what offerings you might lay at its feet.” This call to action urges us to think not about what we can receive, but about what we can give to our nations and communities. Shortly after, in defense of his decision to allocate significant funds to space exploration, Kennedy famously said, “We choose to go to the moon in this decade, not because it is easy, but because it is hard.” This bold declaration underscores the importance of setting ambitious, difficult goals, not for the sake of ease, but for the challenge of achieving them.

The second quote is from Martin Luther King Jr., whose words in the face of racial injustice still resonate with incredible power. “I want to be judged by the content of my character, not by the color of my skin.” King’s plea for equality and justice transcends race, calling upon all of us to strive for a world where merit and character are the true measures of worth.

The third quote comes from Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana, who envisioned a future for Africa that was free from the darkness of colonialism and underdevelopment. He said: “The Continent of Africa will remain in darkness until the Sahara Desert is tamed.” Nkrumah’s words echo the need for bold leadership and innovation to address the challenges facing the African continent. The Sahara, metaphorically representing the obstacles to progress, must be overcome if Africa is to unlock its true potential.

Finally, I offer the words of my mentor and father figure, Nelson Mandela, who, in the face of unimaginable adversity, proclaimed: “The emancipation of my people is non-negotiable, I am prepared to sacrifice my life for it.” Mandela’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and freedom serves as a reminder of the power of sacrifice in the pursuit of a greater good.

As I reflect on these powerful words, I ask you: Are you ready to take up the mantle of progress? Are you ready to rise to the challenge of the digital frontier, just as past generations rose to meet their own challenges? The digital age is here, and it is up to you to shape its course. Will you take the torch and carry it forward into the future? The choice is yours, and the journey begins now.