Business Post Contributor
By Sodeinde Temidayo David
An overwhelming majority of Nigerians believe that global collaboration and technology are crucial to confront humanity’s pressing challenges.
This is according to a global survey carried out by the Expo 2020 Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to the 2021 survey conducted in partnership with YouGov, 75 per cent of Nigerians who participated in the study believe that greater knowledge sharing between communities and individuals can help build a better future.
With a sampled size of 22,000 people, which cut across 24 countries tracked sentiment in a world irreversibly changed by COVID-19, it was noted that 96 per cent said that countries must work together to tackle worldwide crises such as a pandemic
This sentiment is also reflected in Nigeria, with the majority expressing that greater partnership between individuals and communities was key, mirrored by responses elsewhere in Africa, according to the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, Ms Reem Al Hashimy.
While giving a welcoming speech and a reminder on the world expo that will be held in the country in less than two months’ time, she noted that the event themed Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, will run from October 1, 2021, through March 31, 2022.
Nigerian respondents also believe that technological advances and inventions will continue to play a role in building communities around the world.
Given the report, this is higher than the average responses of 57 per cent and 44 per cent in Asia and Europe respectively.
Elsewhere, half of the Nigerian respondents (50 per cent) ranked increasing opportunities for youth as a higher priority than any other for the future. This is out of 11 options in the poll.
On his part, the Ambassador of Nigeria to the UAE and Commissioner General for Nigeria at Expo 2020 Dubai, Mr Mohammed Dansanta Rimi, expressed his optimism about Nigerians’ desire for technological advancements to bring people together.
He noted that Nigeria will showcase the technology sectors during the 182 days that the exposition will run.
Nigeria’s presence at Expo 2020 will also drive conversations in other areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, and the creative industries by showcasing the country’s culture to the world.
Nigeria has scheduled 23 customized events, featuring Afrobeat music and the flourishing Nollywood film scene, as it will highlight its abundance of culture, creative and economic opportunities.
