Elumelu made the call on Thursday in Abuja in his graduation lecture for participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 17 of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS).

The entrepreneur, in the lecture titled, “Emerging Technologies as Catalyst for Sustainable Social Economic Growth and Partnership: Opportunities for Africa”, said development was impossible without reliable access to electricity.

“I say to our leaders: if there are two things a leader must prioritise, it should be security and improvement in access to electricity.

“Power is a fundamental resource that impacts every aspect of life, from hospitals, to homes and businesses,

“Nigeria cannot industrialise and our youths cannot be educated without ensuring that our abundant natural resources are translated into plentiful, affordable, available and robust power for all.

“We need a power ecosystem that encourages investments and unlocks our economy and creates prosperity,” he said.

Elumelu said emerging technologies, ranging from artificial intelligence, biotechnology or renewable energy were not just tools of convenience, but powerful engines for growth, capable of driving social and economic development across Africa.

“One thing you must take away is that your job will help you to create an orderly and secured society

“Technology is democratising access to electricity. It is helping to break down barriers that have long hindered progress.

“By investing in digital literacy and infrastructure, we can ensure that no African is left behind in this digital revolution. We have missed the first, second and third industrial revolutions.

“We must all work to take advantage of the fourth revolution,” he said.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Adeola Ajayi, enjoined participants of the course to apply the knowledge acquired, to improve the security ecosystem in their respective countries. (NAN)