YOS 2.0: Youths urged to leverage on digital skills for change
Posted by Ahmed Iyanda | a month ago | 99 times
Digital experts and industry leaders have encouraged youths in Nigeria to leverage on digital opportunities to bring about the needed change in their respective communities. This call was made on Friday at the YALI Ogun Summit 2.0 held at the Telemedicine Hall, FMC Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, tagged Youth leadership in the digital age: navigating opportunities and challenges.
In his opening remarks, the Ogun State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Quudus Adegboyega Yusuff, who was represented by Mr. Ogunbiyi Michael, the Director of Hotel and Allied Businesses, stressed the importance of youths equipping themselves with skills and knowledge needed to navigate the digital landscape and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
He emphasised the critical role of the youth in shaping the future of Nigeria, particularly in the digital age and encouraged them to be proactive in using technology to create positive change.
To drive positive change in Nigeria through digital innovation as well as sustainable development, the PS, urged youths to harness the power of digital technology for sustainable development.
“Youths should actively take on leadership roles across all areas of governance, leveraging the vast opportunities technology provides. While technology opens doors to innovation and progress, it also introduces unique challenges and complexities. Leadership in the digital age demands resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of these dynamics,” Adegboyega said.
Highlighting the challenges posed by technology, he said: “Digital leadership comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right mindset and networks, we can turn these obstacles into stepping stones.”
In her keynote address, the Chief Operations Officer, Tammys Events and Academy, Abidemi Adeyemi, encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace digital skills for positive impact. She emphasised that the country will progress when the youths seize opportunities in the digital space.
“While you acquire these skills, be open to embrace opportunities ahead, make a difference, and provide solutions not just to Nigeria, but to global issues. There is urgency in keying into the digital economy, especially by youths who constitute the majority of our population. Given the huge population of young people in Africa, it shows that the digital market is the future of Africa. ” Abidemi noted.
She therefore tasked Nigerian youths to be focused and intentional in embracing digital technology, adding that “the way to the future is digital technology.
Also speaking, Samson Odegbami, a Business development expert, stressed the need for entrepreneurial, leadership and vocational skills.
He enjoined youths in the country to desist from massive migration abroad for greener pastures (japa), noting that there are opportunities awaiting to be tapped in Nigeria.
“We have so many opportunities in Nigeria. What hinders us is based on the knowledge and available information we have.”
The businessman therefore advised the participants to leverage the agriculture sector, adding that food is essential for the sustenance and development of any nation globally.
In her goodwill message, the implementing partner from the US Consulate in Lagos, Princess Adetoun Tade charged the participants to imbibe the spirit of volunteering services to others in the society.
She described volunteerism as the ability to render assistance or services to others in the society out of one’s volition without demanding or expecting payment.
She urged them to use their individual skills, expertise and professionalism to render selfless services to others stressing that government alone cannot do everything needed in the society but through selfless acts, such gaps could be filled.
Using herself as an example, Adetoun maintained that she got her current job through volunteering, emphasizing that such efforts help to build managerial skills, improve one's resume as well as open doors for job opportunities.
Earlier, the Deputy Public Affairs Officer U.S Consulate General Lagos, Amanda Roach Brown, in her remarks, noted that investing in youths is crucial for fostering prosperous nations, adding that YALI provides training, networking and professional development.
YALI provides training, networking and professional development to equip you with the skills needed to lead effectively in the digital age. We are living in unprecedented times where digital technology influences nearly every aspect of our lives. For young leaders like yourselves, this digital age presents unique opportunities but also some challenges.”
Your ability to leverage technology will not only define your personal success, but also contribute to the sustainable development of your communities and the nation,” Amanda added.
She, however, urged young people to embrace digital tools and foster inclusion and innovation. “By embracing digital tools, you can address these new opportunities and also answer pressing issues in your communities like unemployment, educational disparities and health care assesibility.”
The event featured panel discussions, and keynote speeches that highlighted emerging trends such as leadership, entreprenuership, technology and digital marketing. The expert urged participants to embrace these opportunities to position themselves for success in the global economy.
Other speakers at the event include Olukoye Morenikeji, Youth Development Advocate; Adebola Solate, Group Managing Director, M19 Image Limited;Ayooluwa Ogunsola, Vice President, Eco Diversified International; Opeyemi Oluwadare, Students to Changemakers;Victor Adeleye, Founder, Grazac; Dayo Niyi-Idowu, Convener, African Model United Nations; Grace Oluwalola, COO, GFA Technologies and Feyikemi Oriyomi, Director, Bloomseed Elementary School.
