The Global Director of Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, Abideen Olasupo, has said that the organisation’s major preoccupation is to anchor projects that promote civic engagement, media literacy and good governance.
He added that with a background in civic tech and leadership, he had represented Nigeria at global stages, delivering impactful solutions at the intersection of technology, governance and development.
Olasupo who is also the CEO of MyAIFactChecker, Africa’s first AI-powered fact-checking platform, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday while giving some insights on his engagements and the multifarious values he adds to the various areas of his professional career as well as patronage accessibility to his skills and corporate services.
“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,” he said.
Olasupo also disclosed that his patronage targets included governments, NGOs, media organizations and youth-focused institutions looking to
leverage technology for impactful societal development.
“Additionally, I work with startups,
entrepreneurs, and policy organizations to develop strategies that align innovation with sustainable growth goals,” he stressed.
Olasupo disclosed that his training at Harvard and Lagos Business Schools had equipped him with the strategic foresight to innovate solutions that bridge gaps in governance, technology and economic empowerment, noting that through FactCheckAfrica, he had combated misinformation and fostered accountability in media
and governance.
“As the Global Director of BBYDI, I’ve spearheaded projects like YouthGovTracka and EVIT, which promote transparency in government and drive civic participation,” he stressed.
“To galvanize industrial growth, I focus on empowering SMEs and entrepreneurs with digital
tools and strategies for growth, mentoring startups 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,” he said.
The founder of FactCheckAfrica, also disclosed that he had been initiating programmes to tackle the menace of
misinformation and disinformation, especially fake news on social.
“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,” Olasupo said.
“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,” he stressed.
Olasupo who is also a co-founder of dHub Innovation Centre and researcher, said that dHub Innovation Centre was a technology and innovation hub designed to nurture creative minds and incubate ideas that address societal challenges.
According to him, 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.
He added: “Through dHub, I showcase these values by mentoring startups, developing scalable projects and fostering partnerships that drive impact.”
Olasupo also stressed that the roles of the youth in the country’s sociopolitical and economic development could not be overemphasized.
“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 for policies that prioritize 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.
Olasupo who has had opportunities to deliver keynote speeches at special
events such as COP26 in Glasgow and the 2021 Africa Student for
Liberty Conference and have also represented Nigeria at Johns
Hopkins University and the United Nations Anti-Corruption Forum, noted that from these global platforms, one clear lesson emerges: inclusivity and innovation are non-negotiable for sustainable development.
He called on Nigeria’s leaders to prioritize youth engagement and leverage their creativity to drive progress.
“Nigerian leaders should also embrace technology, particularly in governance, to enhance transparency and accountability,” he noted.
“Additionally, fostering partnerships between public and private sectors can catalyze 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.
Following his wide exposure and professional contributions to
socioeconomic development, Olasupo also expects government
and its officials, organizations and prominent individuals to access
his 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 organizations can collaborate with me to design civic tech tools that enhance transparency,
accountability and public engagement,” he said.
“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,” Olasupo noted.
