Technology
Full Text of Prof Osinbajo’s Speech at Google for Nigeria Event
I am delighted to be to be here with you today at this year’s Google for Nigeria event. Just couple weeks back, it was a special pleasure to be welcomed to the Googleplex by Google CEO, Sundar Pichai and his great management team. We all have very warm memories of that visit, and I am truly grateful for your kindness and warm hospitality.
About three months ago, I spoke at an event at the Warwick University on the subject “The African Century.” The substance of that speech was that this century is Africa’s century. Why? Because Africa will, for good or ill, play the defining role in global development. Africa’s fortunes will matter across all the trends shaping the world. I say for good or for ill because either scenario is possible. If Africa fails on these important development issues, because of our sheer size, the global impact will be catastrophic and if it succeeds the global impact will be incredible.
In at least four important respects, Africa will hold the balance of world development. First is in world population (demography). Second is environment and climate change. Third is productivity. Fourth is social exclusion (or inclusion as the case may be) and its implications for global security.
Let’s take population, by 2035, Africa will have 1.2 billion people. Nigeria is Africa most populous country; she will become the 4th most populous nation in the world. Over 50% of that number will be young persons under the age of 25. Today, 60 percent of the unemployed in Africa are young people. If we do not change the trajectory of socio-economic development, we would have millions of jobless young people in the prime of their lives, and as we will see, largely illiterate and /or poorly trained. The workforce will be ill-equipped to man any industrial revolution or take advantage on scale of technology. The anger, disillusionment, and hopelessness of these young people will drive social unrest, compel more desperate migration northwards and present a fertile recruiting ground for extremist groups. If social conditions remain tenuous, even the well-educated will be tempted into migration and contribute further to the brain drain.
How about the environment and climate change? So, it is generally agreed that although Africa has contributed least to global warming, it is and will suffer most from its consequences. Indeed, we are already seeing extreme weather events such as flash floods, drought, and desertification.
So to cut a long story short, Africa is confronted with existential challenges, and there is simply no time to waste in resolving these problems. The answer that providence has given us is technology. The great purveyors of technology such as our hosts today Google, and their collaborators – 21st century Technologies Limited and Backbone Connectivity Network (BCN), are not mere corporations in search of profit and some social good, they literarily hold the future of generations of humanity in their hands.
In Nigeria, we cannot train our nearly 200 million young people by 2045, in classrooms alone. It is impossible! We must use the internet and even mobile telephony. We must connect our young people to knowledge and innovation all over the world. Co-creation efforts of innovators and inventors require broadband to be consummated.
So without connectivity, the development trajectory of our nation and continent is truncated. Today, it is also becoming increasingly clear that the availability of food and healthcare for the huge numbers of our people will depend on how democratized the technology becomes. We simply cannot provide enough food, drugs or vaccines in Africa without the availability of innovation in agriculture, and technology in farming and the production of drugs and vaccines. So democratizing Artificial Intelligence as we heard Marvin Chow, Google’s VP Product Marketing, describe in agriculture and the medical sciences, will change the human development story.
Indeed every step that is taken to democratize technology is a quantum leap in the African development story and a major contribution to Global stability and growth. This is why the launch of Google Station here in Nigeria, is an enormously significant event.
First, it means that Google and 21st Century, will be providing free WiFi access in several public spaces in Nigeria, more exciting is that several of our markets will benefit from this free internet access.
This partnership is particularly important to us, because we have in the past one year, in our energizing markets project, been providing solar power to markets and economic clusters across the country. We have done extensive work in Ariaria market in Aba, Sabongari in Kano, Gbagi market in Ibadan, Sura here in Lagos, and we are starting out in Iponri, and Balogun markets.
But the most profound implication is that internet access is becoming available to some of the poorest in society. What access to information, tools of education, business or commerce means is that gaps of inequality and exclusion are bridged. Jobs are created and in many important respects, there is a real chance of better quality of life for large numbers of our people.
Millions of Nigerians have personal stories of how the Internet has transformed their lives, their hustle, as today’s theme alludes to, in positive ways. And Juliet Ehimuan, Google’s Country Director Nigeria, has showed us, with stories of real people like Adaobi, how Google has featured prominently in many of these stories.
In 2016, working with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, I launched the Google Digital Skills Training Programme with the target to train 400,000 Nigerians on basic Digital Skills, working with Google and local Nigerian Tech Training companies.
We have since surpassed those numbers and trained over a million Nigerians in basic digital skills in the last 24 months.
To scale up our support to private sector players in the technology space, I recently inaugurated the Technology and Creative Advisory Group, a subset of our National Industrial Policy and Competitiveness Advisory Council.
This group brings together, young private sector players in the technology and creative sectors and relevant government agencies, working jointly to formulate policies, programmes and projects for the Technology and Creative sectors of our economy.
Some private sector members of the Advisory Group and relevant government agencies like NITDA, NEPC and the Bank of Industry, went with me on the trip to Silicon Valley. Also on that trip, I met with the creative sector in Los Angeles and showcased Nigeria’s readiness and preparedness for investment, and the work we are doing with our Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, to provide an enabling environment for business in Nigeria, and which helped Nigeria rise 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index in 2017.
Through the GEM Project of the World Bank, the Federal Government has given out over $2million to 79 startups across the country. Apart from this, our National Social Investments Programme is working with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to support the private sector to establish technology and innovation centers across the country.
We have established and launched these Innovation Hub projects across the nation. From the Ventures Platform in Abuja (Ventures Park), to the Marydel Hubs and the Edo State Government’s Edo Innovate project in Benin, Edo State, and the Humanitarian Innovation Center in collaboration with the North East Innovation Hub and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Yola, Adamawa State, we are committed to building an ecosystem to drive innovation.
The Federal Government is now investing in training 5,000 developers as part of our N-Power Tech program, just as we are catalyzing a whole new sector of animation production by training 3,000 young people with scriptwriting, storyboarding, voice acting, animation and post-production skills. Not only will we develop their skills, we are providing an initial support of the hardware and software tools that will help them function economically after they are trained. We also believe that starting earlier with our students helps to solve tomorrow’s challenges, today. The Federal Government is lending support to initiatives such as the Civic Lab’s Student Innovation Challenge, and the Campus Innovation Challenge by Union and CC Hub, Nigeria’s pioneer Tech Hub in Yaba, Lagos State, to discover and support student entrepreneurs in our tertiary institutions.
Next week, I will launch a Climate Innovation Center in partnership with the Enterprise Development Center at the Lagos Business School. This forms part of our ICT roadmap, in which the private sector is an important stakeholder.
The challenge remains connectivity, extending broadband reach, making data cheaper – National Broadband Policy. As a first[1] step, the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), has since licensed a number of Infrastructure Companies (Infracos), who will invest in rolling out broadband infrastructure across Nigeria.
I believe we can extend broadband reach significantly in a year or two. We will partner in whatever way we can with Google and Nigerian broadband providers like 21st Century Technologies Limited and Backbone Connectivity Network, to quickly achieve extensive broadband coverage.
Our goal is to create a data-driven digital economy; one that will lead the way not just in Africa, but globally as well. And I believe strongly that Nigeria is on the right path. We have the people, the talent, we have a government that sees the potential very clearly, and is showing the determination to unlock that potential.
Technology has put great power into our hands, as individuals, but more importantly as co-creators and collaborators, to positively and dramatically change the course of human existence. With it, we can solve many of the problems that confront us.
In addition, we can connect people, grow businesses, influence good governance, and create better lives, and a better country for ourselves and for the future.
Thank you.
The Rise of AI Face Swap Technology
AI face swap technology has evolved from a novelty into a powerful creative tool. What once required professional video editing software and hours of manual work can now be done in seconds with a single click. Fueled by advances in deep learning and generative AI, face swap tools have become remarkably realistic and accessible. By 2026, millions of content creators, marketers, filmmakers, and everyday users rely on these tools for entertainment, business, and personal projects. As the technology matures, choosing the right tool has never been more important — or more competitive.
How to Use AI Face Swap in Your Work and Daily Life
AI face swap tools are no longer just for fun — they’re reshaping how we work and communicate:
- Content Creation & Social Media: Swap faces to create viral memes, funny videos, or personalized content that drives engagement on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Marketing & Advertising: Brands use face swap to localize ad campaigns by replacing models with regional faces, saving time and budget on reshoots.
- Film & Video Production: Indie filmmakers use AI face swap for de-aging effects, stunt doubles, or recreating scenes without expensive CGI.
- E-Commerce & Fashion: Virtual try-on experiences let shoppers see how they’d look in different outfits or hairstyles.
- Personal Fun: Swap your face onto movie characters, historical figures, or your favorite celebrities for entertaining social content.
- Education & Training: Create realistic training simulations or educational videos with customized faces.
How to Judge a Good AI Face Swap Tool
Not all face swap tools are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Realism & Quality: Smooth blending, accurate skin tone matching, and consistent lighting.
- Speed: Results in seconds, not minutes.
- Ease of Use: An intuitive interface for non-technical users.
- Privacy & Security: Clear data policy — no storing images without consent.
- Multi-Format Support: Handles photos, videos, and real-time swaps.
- Customization Options: Fine-tuning for expression, angle, and lighting.
- Pricing & Value: Transparent pricing with a free tier or trial.
Part 4: Top 5 AI Face Swap Tools in 2026
🥇 1. Easemate — Best Overall Pick
Website: https://www.easemate.ai/
🔑 Key Features: Supports photo & video face swapping with real-time preview, batch processing, automatic skin tone matching, intelligent lighting adjustment, and multi-face detection for group photos. Privacy-first design — images are never stored without consent.
✅ Pros: Exceptional realism with accurate edge detection and shadow rendering. Lightning-fast even for HD video. Beginner-friendly interface with zero technical knowledge required. Flexible, affordable pricing for individuals and teams. Strong privacy policy for peace of mind.
❌ Cons: Batch video processing and 4K export require a paid plan.
2. DeepFaceLab — Best for Advanced Users & Filmmakers
🔑 Key Features: Deep neural network-based swaps with full control over face alignment, blending modes, mask refinement, and custom model training on personal datasets.
✅ Pros: Completely free and open-source. Unmatched customization for experienced users. Huge active community with tutorials and pre-trained models. Ideal for long-form video and cinematic-quality projects.
❌ Cons: Steep learning curve, requires high-performance GPU, no cloud version.
3. Reface — Best for Fun & Social Media
🔑 Key Features: Mobile-first app with a massive library of celebrity clips, movie scenes, GIFs, and meme templates. Real-time facial landmark mapping and one-tap social sharing to Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp.
✅ Pros: Extremely easy to use — just take a selfie and pick a template. Library updated regularly with trending pop culture content. Perfect for casual entertainment and viral social content.
❌ Cons: Mobile only; not suitable for professional or high-resolution output.
4. FaceSwapper.ai — Best for Quick, No-Fuss Photo Swaps
🔑 Key Features: Browser-based, one-click photo face swap with no account required. Supports JPG, PNG, and WEBP formats. Developer-friendly API for app integration and automated workflows.
✅ Pros: Zero-signup experience — incredibly accessible for one-off tasks. Fast, straightforward, and frictionless. Robust API for developers needing programmatic access.
❌ Cons: Limited video support and fewer customization options. Best for simple, single-image use cases.
5. Vidnoz AI — Best All-in-One Video Platform
🔑 Key Features: Full video creation suite including face swap, AI avatar generation, text-to-video, voice cloning, lip-sync dubbing, and multilingual video translation. Face swap integrates seamlessly with the broader production workflow.
✅ Pros: Outstanding value as a multi-function platform. Solid video output quality with regular improvements. Generous free tier available. Great for businesses producing localized or multilingual video content at scale.
❌ Cons: Face swap is a secondary feature — lacks the depth and advanced controls of dedicated tools.
Part 5: Conclusion
AI face swap in 2026 is smarter and more accessible than ever. Among all options, Easemate stands out as the best all-around choice — combining professional-grade quality with an effortless experience and a privacy-first approach. Start with Easemate today.
Part 6: FAQ
Q1: Is AI face swap legal?
Yes, for personal and creative use. Using it for deception or non-consensual imagery is illegal in many jurisdictions.
Q2: Is Easemate free?
It offers a free tier; premium plans unlock batch processing and high-res video output.
Q3: Can these tools work on videos?
Yes — Easemate, DeepFaceLab, and Vidnoz AI all support video face swapping.
Q4: How do I protect my privacy?
Choose platforms with clear privacy policies. Easemate is known for its privacy-first approach.
Q5: Photo vs. video face swap — what’s the difference?
Photo swap is faster and simpler. Video requires frame-by-frame processing but delivers more impressive results.
Q6: Do I need technical skills?
Not at all! Tools like Easemate are designed for everyday users — just upload and let the AI handle the rest.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s highest-ranked country in the latest Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI), climbing 42 places globally in just two years.
Nigeria rose from 80th globally in 2024 to 38th in the world with a score of 45.93.
The GIRIA ranking boosts Nigeria’s appeal as a destination for AI talent, innovation and investment.
According to the Cape Town-based independent research and policy think tank, the ranking is one of the world’s most comprehensive assessments of responsible AI. It evaluates 135 countries across five pillars: inclusion and diversity, ethics and sustainability, labour and skills, trust and safety, and AI use in public services.
Despite that rapid adoption, the report found that public governance capacity remains weak. Average GIRAI scores stand at only about 35 out of 100 globally, while evidence of implementation exists in just 55 per cent of countries with responsible AI frameworks, dropping to 45% across the Global South.
Nigeria’s rise reflects deliberate policy efforts to strengthen its AI ecosystem.
According to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, the government has accelerated work on its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), expanded digital public infrastructure, invested in digital skills, developed governance frameworks for emerging technologies, and strengthened international partnerships to ensure AI is deployed responsibly.
“This recognition is a testament to Nigeria’s deliberate efforts to build an AI ecosystem that is inclusive, responsible, and aligned with our development priorities,” he said.
“We believe that Africa must not only participate in the AI revolution but also contribute meaningfully to shaping how these technologies are governed and deployed globally.
“Our focus remains on creating the infrastructure, talent, and policy environment that will enable AI to deliver real value for our people and support President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy,” he added.
The report identified Nigeria as a global “Bright Spot” for combining AI skills development with safeguards for children and vulnerable groups.
The index noted that Nigeria is among the few African countries that have attempted to simultaneously prepare citizens for an AI-driven future while strengthening protections against the risks posed by emerging technologies.
It highlighted the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which mandates AI literacy programmes, teacher training and broader capacity-building initiatives across the country.
The report also cited the Federal Government’s flagship 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme for delivering structured AI and machine learning training through a hybrid model designed to reach young people nationwide.
In terms of regulation, GIRAI recognised the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025 for introducing enhanced safeguards for children’s personal data, including parental consent requirements and restrictions on decisions based solely on automated processing.
The report said these initiatives position Nigeria as an example of how governments can pursue AI adoption without overlooking digital rights and citizen protection.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The need for accessible, affordable and locally relevant Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive Africa’s digital future has been emphasised by the Managing Director of ipNX, Mr Ejovi Aror.
Mr Aror, whose paper was presented by the company’s Director of Strategic Business Initiatives, Mr Olusola Teniola, at the West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE) on June 18, 2028, said AI is not a new concept, but has been in existence since 1955 and is an integral part of today’s digital ecosystem, with intelligent algorithms already embedded in so-called ‘traditional’ telecommunications networks and services.
At the event held in Lagos, Mr Aror, in his paper titled Next-G Telecoms Infrastructure and Ethical AI in Networking Management, stated that, “Artificial Intelligence already shapes how networks are managed, optimised, and secured. The conversation is not about whether AI will transform telecommunications, but how we can ensure that its benefits are responsibly deployed.”
He emphasised that while Africa may not have played a leading role during the earliest stages of AI development, the continent still has a significant opportunity to shape the next phase of innovation by developing technologies that address local challenges and realities.
“Africa does not need to be solely a consumer of AI technologies developed elsewhere. There is a unique opportunity to build solutions that reflect our local contexts, address our specific needs, and create value for our economies and communities,” he stated.
The presentation also highlighted the importance of ethical considerations in AI deployment, particularly as intelligent systems become increasingly involved in network operations, service delivery, decision-making processes, and customer interactions.
Mr Aror stressed that the development of AI must be guided by principles of transparency, accountability, privacy, and inclusivity to ensure that innovation delivers meaningful benefits to society.
He further noted that the success of AI across Africa will depend on continued investment in digital infrastructure, including broadband connectivity, data centres, cloud platforms, and reliable telecommunications networks capable of supporting advanced digital services.
The discussions at WATISE 2026 reinforced the strategic importance of the telecommunications industry as the foundation of Nigeria’s digital economy. While stakeholders highlighted the role of telecom infrastructure in enabling innovation across various sectors, participants underscored the need for improved digital literacy, public awareness, and responsible use of emerging technologies.
ipNX was recognised at the event as the Best Customer-centric Telecoms Operator. As Nigeria’s leading technology and connectivity provider, the brand remains committed to advancing the infrastructure, innovation, and collaborative partnerships required to unlock the full potential of AI and support Africa’s digital transformation.
