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ActionAid urges youths to harness digital technologies for development

Published

8 months ago

September 2, 2024

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ActionAid Nigeria has called on the nation’s youth to steer clear of negative uses of digital technology, urging them instead to harness it for personal growth and socio-economic advancement.

During a Youth Summit in Kano, Deputy Country Director, Suwaiba Muhammad, emphasised the importance of digital tools in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the role of young people as digital pioneers in driving innovation.

Muhammad warned against the dangers of unguarded digital consumption, encouraging parents and guardians to guide their wards toward the positive use of technology, as the nation’s future hinges on youth embracing these tools responsibly.

“Today, young people are leading the charge in digital adoption and innovation, with three-quarters of those aged 15 to 24 using the internet in 2022 a higher rate than other age groups. However, disparities persist, particularly in low-income countries (like our country Nigeria) and among young women, who often have less access to the internet and digital skills compared to their male counterparts.

While there is an urgent need to enhance digital inclusion, youth are largely recognised as “digital natives,” using technology to drive change and create solutions. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global issues.

“This is a clarion call to all of us as parents, guardians and role models to ensure optimal and positive usage of digital technology among youth for personal growth, education, information, research and career development for the overall socio-economic development of our society.

“The society has been decaying with youth trooping for uncensored and unguarded digital information and technology that harm their psychological well-being and disrupt the social fabric for having a better and moral society. We need to be gatekeepers for social and economic development.

“Digital technologies such as mobile devices, services, and artificial intelligence are instrumental in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Data generated from digital interactions supports evidence-based decision-making. With profound impact across economic, social and environmental dimensions.” She said.

In his remark, the Executive Director of Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative, Dr. Mustapha Yahaya challenged the parents, and guardians on their roles as gatekeepers to ensure their wards optimally and positively tap from the available opportunities with the use of technological advancement.

While acknowledging the role of digital technology in mitigating unemployment and countering violent extremism, the Kano State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, lauded the efforts of ActionAid and DRDI, affirming the state government’s commitment to creating more opportunities for youth.

The program, funded by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) through the SARVE III project, sought to empower youth with the knowledge and tools needed to drive change and build sustainable communities in Kano State and beyond.

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Tinubu’s commitment to young people, unprecedented – Aide

Published

6 hours ago

April 20, 2025

Admin

The commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to young people and their development is unprecedented, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, has said.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony of first batch of ICT training he sponsored for youths and students in his native Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State, Abdulaziz said the President has redefined the idea of youth engagement and empowerment.

“Mr President has prioritised young people through many initiatives aimed at making our young people self-reliant. The President doesn’t want to give you food, he is giving you means to get your own food,” he said.

He listed the administration’s initiatives such as training of three million young Nigerians in IT skills, the Scale Up Artisans project, the Nigeria Youths Academy, among other interventions.

Abdulaziz also said the President has given young people voices by appointing young Nigerians into his cabinet and other important positions.

“For the first time we have a truly young Nigerian as minister of youths development. We have other young people in the cabinet and key appointments. We have to appreciate that.”

Abdulaziz said the IT training he sponsored was a way of giving back to the community and uplifting the underprivileged to attain their full potentials as part of his ongoing commitment to community development.

During the event, Abdulaziz also presented computers to some of the best-performing students in recognition of their dedication and excellence.

This initiative, he noted, is part of a broader vision to equip the youth with relevant digital skills, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administra

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Tinubu’s commitment to young people, unprecedented – Aide

Published

7 hours ago

April 20, 2025

Admin

Tinubu’s commitment to young people, unprecedented – Aide

The commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to young people and their development is unprecedented, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, has said.

He listed the administration’s initiatives such as training of three million young Nigerians in IT skills, the Scale Up Artisans project, the Nigeria Youths Academy, among other interventions.

Abdulaziz also said the President has given young people voices by appointing young Nigerians into his cabinet and other important positions.

“For the first time we have a truly young Nigerian as minister of youths development. We have other young people in the cabinet and key appointments. We have to appreciate that.”

During the event, Abdulaziz also presented computers to some of the best-performing students in recognition of their dedication and excellence.

This initiative, he noted, is part of a broader vision to equip the youth with relevant digital skills, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the empowerment of the youth and overall development of Fagge LGA and Kano State.

He emphasized that such initiatives are essential in actualizing the aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive growth, innovation, and self-reliance.

A representative of the community, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, expressed the community’s appreciation to the Presidential aide for his consistent support and developmental strides.

He assured that the community will reciprocate through continued support and prayers for the success of the Tinubu administration

About The Author

Admin

See author's posts

General

Tinubu’s commitment to young people, unprecedented – Aide

Published

11 hours ago

April 20, 2025

Admin

The commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to young people and their development is unprecedented, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, has said.

He listed the administration’s initiatives such as training of three million young Nigerians in IT skills, the Scale Up Artisans project, the Nigeria Youths Academy, among other interventions.

Abdulaziz also said the President has given young people voices by appointing young Nigerians into his cabinet and other important positions.

“For the first time we have a truly young Nigerian as minister of youths development. We have other young people in the cabinet and key appointments. We have to appreciate that.”

During the event, Abdulaziz also presented computers to some of the best-performing students in recognition of their dedication and excellence.

This initiative, he noted, is part of a broader vision to equip the youth with relevant digital skills, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the empowerment of the youth and overall development of Fagge LGA and Kano State. He emphasized that such initiatives are essential in actualizing the aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive growth, innovation, and self-reliance.

A representative of the community, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, expressed the community’s appreciation to the Presidential aide for his consistent support and developmental strides.

He assured that the community will reciprocate through continued support and prayers for the success of the Tinubu administration.