In honor of the 2024 International Youth Day, the Social Empowerment and Peace Initiative (SEPI) hosted a pivotal seminar themed “Leveraging Technology and Social Media for Wealth Creation and Sustainable Development” at Greatlinks Hotels in Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State. The event aligned with this year’s International Youth Day theme, “Click to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” and sought to inspire young Nigerians to tap into the vast potential of digital innovation to address the growing challenge of youth unemployment.
Comrade Friday Dalyop Bako, Executive Director of SEPI and Chairman of Plateau Bloggers and Online Media (PLABOMA), led the seminar with a powerful message on the need for youth to shift their focus from casual to strategic use of social media. He emphasized that while many young people engage with these platforms primarily for entertainment, they often overlook the tremendous opportunities for economic empowerment and career development. Bako stressed that with the right skills and mindset, social media can be a transformative tool for combating unemployment and driving sustainable development.
The seminar also featured key insights from Mr. Ibrahim Kallamu, CEO of 4wardwego and a digital marketer, who highlighted the critical role of technology in sustainable development. Kallamu discussed how digital skills, such as web development and cybersecurity, are increasingly in demand and can significantly contribute to economic growth. He further explained how technology enhances access to quality education and healthcare, with digital platforms revolutionizing both sectors.
Renowned blogger and CEO of MTB Multimedia, Mr. Matthew Tegha, focused on the wealth-creation potential of social media. He advised participants to use social media purposefully, whether for networking, business, or content creation. Tegha highlighted the global reach and low-cost entry points of social media platforms, which enable users to turn their digital presence into profitable ventures.
Attendees praised the seminar for its eye-opening content, with many expressing a renewed understanding of how to leverage technology and social media for personal and professional growth. The event underscored the importance of digital literacy in empowering youth to contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.
