Youths in Plateau have been urged to tap into the potential of technology and social media as avenues for wealth creation and sustainable development. This appeal was made during the International Youth Day 2024 Seminar, hosted by the Social Empowerment & Peace Initiative (SEPI) on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Jos, Plateau State.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Friday Bako, Executive Director of SEPI, underscored the seminar’s dedication to developing the capacities of youth across various sectors. He highlighted key thematic areas, including educational empowerment, skills acquisition, support for vulnerable groups, mentoring, and leadership training.
“SEPI is committed to nurturing skills that lead to success. Our objective is to create a platform that helps youth recognize the opportunities offered by social media while providing them with the tools needed to harness these resources for economic advantage,” he stated.
Bako also pointed out the critical need to address the knowledge gap in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among young people. “We have noted a significant deficiency in ICT understanding, which hampers the capability of our youth to thrive in the modern digital economy. This seminar aims to bridge that gap and encourage youth to become self-reliant and goal-oriented. It is essential for governments and institutions to focus more on this issue to fully tap into the diverse talents of our young population,” he added.
In a presentation on the role of technology in sustainable development, Mr. Ibrahim Kallamu, a digital marketer, blogger, and IT consultant, explored how crucial technology is for advancing sustainability. He emphasized the necessity of digital literacy, particularly in connecting youth to opportunities in the digital landscape.
“Technology forms the foundation of sustainable development in the modern world. By empowering our youth with digital skills, we enable them to engage in the global economy and address urgent societal issues. It isn’t solely about generating income; it’s about crafting solutions that benefit the community,” he said.
Kallamu shared practical strategies for monetizing digital platforms, including content creation, e-commerce, and digital marketing. He encouraged attendees to tap into blogging and social media as viable income sources, while also promoting ethical practices. “In our current era, anyone with a smartphone and internet access can become a content creator or entrepreneur. However, it’s crucial to approach these opportunities with responsibility and a commitment to sustainability. We must harness technology not just for profit, but for the common good,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Mathew Tegha, a prominent blogger and social media strategist, discussed the dynamic role of social media in wealth creation. He pointed out its transformative potential for both personal and financial growth.
“With approximately 5.3 billion internet users worldwide, and over 70% of Nigerian users between 18 and 34 years old, there is substantial opportunity for engaging these platforms. Smart social media use can greatly enhance business prospects and lead to financial success, with avenues such as e-commerce, content creation, and influencer marketing,” he explained.
Tegha also emphasized the necessity of cultivating a strong personal brand, asserting, “Building and maintaining a credible personal brand on social media is vital for unlocking new business ventures and securing endorsements. This process involves creating captivating content that resonates with your audience.
“A successful social media strategy also requires an understanding of platform-specific challenges and algorithms, especially on channels like TikTok and Instagram. By addressing these intricacies and ensuring consistency, individuals can turn social media into a powerful resource for wealth generation and career advancement, capitalizing on its extensive reach and impact.” He added.
I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.