NYSC, JOOPSA Celebrate International Youth Day in Benin City with Focus on Digital Empowerment

From Moshood Karim

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in collaboration with the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), marked the 2024 United Nations International Youth Day in Benin City with a vibrant celebration under the theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways to Sustainable Development.”

The event, held on Monday, showcased the importance of digital literacy and technology in shaping the future of Nigerian youth.

The gathering featured insightful presentations from various speakers, all emphasizing the critical role of digital tools in driving social change, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

In her keynote address, the guest speaker and Director General of JOOPSA, Mrs. Precious Ajoonu, represented by Mr. Andrew Igbineweka, encouraged the Corps members to seize the vast opportunities available in the digital space.
“There are people out there who are taking advantage of these platforms to create a positive impact in society,” she stated.

She urged the youth to identify gaps in digital skills within their communities, particularly among vulnerable groups like the girl child, and to work towards bridging these gaps. “From asking questions like that, you go out to create a global brand,” she added.

Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Zubairu Abubakar, represented by Mrs. Aiyegbeni Balogun, also addressed the Corps members, stressing the importance of applying the lessons learned to their personal and professional development.

She emphasized the need for passion-driven focus, stating, “That instinct in you of what you have passion for will empower you to be a better person.”

In her lecture titled “Empowering Youth through Digital Pathways,” the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Ben-Ushie Frances, explored the numerous empowerment opportunities available in the digital space.

She highlighted the benefits of digital platforms for learning enhancement, skill development, entrepreneurship, networking, and community development. However, she also pointed out the challenges, including limited internet access, digital literacy gaps, and cybersecurity threats.

Mrs. Ben-Ushie reassured the participants of NYSC’s commitment to bridging the digital divide through initiatives like the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Development program, which promotes digital literacy and entrepreneurship.

Mrs. Ben-Ushie concluded her remarks by urging the Corps members to actively embrace digital tools, whether for learning new skills, starting a business, or making a difference in their communities. “The clicks you make today can indeed lead to progress tomorrow,” she affirmed.

Osayi Omokaro, in his address on “Leveraging Technology for Personal and Professional Growth,” emphasized the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
He encouraged the youth to use technology as a tool to solve real-world problems and to innovate creatively.

The event also featured the presentation of the “Project 100 Innovation” initiative, aimed at empowering Corps members to become drivers of social impact and innovation in Nigeria.

Waheed Ozeto, the Innovation Officer for NYSC Edo State, described the project as a platform for fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

He introduced the “Innovation Box,” a symbolic space where participants can submit ideas, which will be supported with mentorship and resources to bring them to life.

Additionally, the President of the CTD Project in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Benin City, Ihezeogu Chukwu Stephen, showcased the “Connect the Dots In-School Mentorship Project,” a program conceived during the NYSC camp.
The initiative focuses on entrepreneurship engagement in schools and has already reached several students across various Local Government Areas in Benin City.

The event concluded with a panel discussion, where invited guests shared insights on digital resources and tools that youths can leverage in their entrepreneurial journeys, reinforcing the theme of using technology to create sustainable progress.

This year’s International Youth Day celebration in Benin City was a testament to the power of digital pathways in empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders. It was supported by NAPTIP, NIS, GIZ, IOM, Genius Hub and Mac Franklyn Group.