Kano State youths have been urged to leverage the advantages of digital technology to earn a living rather than waiting for government jobs or roaming on the streets jobless.
Speaking during a one-day summit to commemorate the 2024 International Youth Day in the state, the executive director of the Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative (DRDI), Dr Mustapha Yahaya, said the programme mobilises about 600 youths to draw their attention to how to utilise the digital space and make money.
According to him, the recent protests across states, especially in Kano, indicate how desperate the youths are to find something they can depend on. Hence, they must be exposed to digital innovations and supported and mentored.
“Many people are earning millions of naira doing online business while they don’t have a shop, staff or rent to pay. Globally, that is the trend; they can utilise it, take advantage of it, and become millionaires.
“We brought various dignitaries ranging from traditional rulers to security agencies, among others, to address the youths. This can help them instead of complaining that there is no job or waiting for the government to provide it.
In her remarks, the deputy country director of ActionAid, Hajiya Suwaiba Dankabo, urged parents and guardians to ensure optimal and positive usage of digital technology among their wards for personal growth, education, information, research and career development, which will enhance the overall socio-economic development of the country.
“Our 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 a better and moral society. We need to be gatekeepers for social and economic development,” she said.
She further highlighted that in Kano, known for commercialisation, the youths can leverage the commercial nature of the state while using their phones and the internet to create businesses that can benefit them.
The youth summit was organised by ActionAid Nigeria through the System and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalisation to Violence Extremism (SARVE III) project with funding from Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) in collaboration with DRDI.
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