0
LAGOS – The need for young Nigerians to embrace digital learning and transform their constant use of smartphones, tablets and the internet into productive ventures took centre stage at an empowerment seminar organised by The Help Hub Empowerment Foundation. Participants were urged to move beyond using digital platforms solely for entertainment and social interaction, and instead leverage them as tools for acquiring skills, building careers and creating sustainable sources of income.
Speakers at the forum stressed that the digital economy offers enormous opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and self-development, especially for the country’s growing youth population. They encouraged young people to take advantage of accessible online learning platforms and digital skills programmes, noting that intentional use of technology could open doors to lifelong opportunities, financial independence and meaningful contributions to national development.
The call formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of a seminar on “Digital Transformation, Youth Empowerment and the Future of Work,” which brought together industry professionals, policy advocates, educators and youth stakeholders to examine how technology can drive national development.
Mrs Modupe Onabanjo, Founder of The Help Hub Empowerment Foundation, in her welcome address, paid glowing tribute to members of staff of the organisation, describing them as the driving force behind its life-changing interventions across communities.
According to her, “Meaningful impact is only possible because of the people who work behind the scenes to bring our vision to life,” she stated, while expressing appreciation to every member of the team for their unwavering commitment to service.”
Onabanjo reaffirmed the Foundation’s resolve to continue empowering, educating and elevating individuals and communities, stressing that the dedication of its staff remains central to achieving lasting social impact across Nigeria.
In her presentation, Founder of Campus Work Limited and Director of Administration at the foundation, Fatima Oyebanji, encouraged young Nigerians to see smartphones as tools for wealth creation rather than mere instruments for entertainment.
She highlighted content creation and digital marketing as viable sources of income, stressing that authenticity, consistency and a willingness to start small were more important than expensive equipment.
Speaking on the broader implications of digitalisation, Chief Ogah Akawu Patrick, National Coordinator of the Association of Retired Principals of Secondary Schools in Nigeria (ARPSSON), described digital transformation as a developmental necessity rather than an option.
He urged youths to become creators of digital solutions and recommended online learning platforms such as Coursera and Khan Academy for skills acquisition and identified poor electricity supply as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s digital ambitions.
Providing an industry perspective, Mr Lanre Lamina, Head of Information Systems at GLOBACOM, underscored the growing influence of mobile technology, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and data analytics in shaping the nation’s economy.
He noted that Nigeria’s youthful population and expanding internet penetration present enormous opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, despite challenges such as high data costs and cybersecurity concerns.
On the future of technical education, Engineer Olaoluwa Oguntuyi, Managing Partner of Transport View Company, warned that Nigeria faces a structural skills crisis, with employers struggling to fill vacancies due to a shortage of qualified personnel.
He advocated the integration of artificial intelligence, robotics and data analytics into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, while maintaining the hands-on approach that distinguishes vocational learning.
Participants at the forum observed that although many Nigerian youths already possess smartphones and access to digital platforms, these resources remain underutilised for productive and entrepreneurial purposes.
They agreed that digital transformation has become a prerequisite for national development and that reliable electricity remains the foundation upon which any successful digital strategy must be built.
