Gossy Ukanwoke, Chief Executive Officer of BetKing and Managing Director of KingMakers, has called for stronger investment in talent development and digital literacy to prepare Nigeria’s workforce for the Future of Work.

Ukanwoke made the call while speaking at the 2025 Technology and Innovation Summit organised by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) on Victoria Island, Lagos.

The summit, themed “Harnessing R&D and Innovation Potentials of Nigeria’s STI Ecosystem,” brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the nation’s evolving science, technology, and innovation landscape.

Rethinking Talent Development in the Age of AI

During a session titled “Rethinking Talent Development in the Era of AI & Emerging Tech,” Ukanwoke shared insights on how organisations like BetKing are reimagining workforce development in response to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and other disruptive technologies.

He emphasised that continuous learning, adaptability, and creativity will define the future workplace:

“In this era of AI and rapid digital evolution, our greatest advantage is people — their creativity, adaptability, and capacity to learn. The future belongs to organisations that empower talent with the right tools, mindset, and purpose to grow with technology,” Ukanwoke said.

Building a Future-Ready Workforce

Ukanwoke highlighted that AI and emerging technologies are reshaping industries and redefining the skills needed to remain relevant. He urged employers and employees alike to invest in upskilling, mentorship, and digital literacy to remain competitive.

He noted that creating agile and inclusive talent pipelines would ensure that Nigerian youth, women, and underrepresented groups are not left behind in the evolving digital economy.

“The future of work will be defined by adaptability, creativity, and continuous learning. Employers must prioritise capacity building, while individuals must embrace change to thrive in the modern workplace,” he added.

Collaboration for Innovation

Ukanwoke also underscored the importance of collaboration between corporate organisations, academia, and government in strengthening Nigeria’s innovation capacity and building a future-ready workforce.

Drawing from BetKing’s experience, he shared examples of how the company integrates technology and human capital development to drive business growth and social impact.

He reaffirmed BetKing’s commitment to continuous learning and innovation, describing it as a strategic blueprint for how Nigerian companies can harness technology to empower their workforce and seize opportunities in the global digital economy.