by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
An NGO, ‘Social Empowerment and Peace Initiative’ (SEPI), which aims to build and develop capacities towards achieving greatness, holds a One-Day Seminar for youths across some Plateau’s local government areas.
Executive Director of SEPI, Mr. Friday Bako, made the disclosure during the Seminar, held on Sunday at Greatlinks Continental Suites Gold & Base Jos.
He said the seminar was to hold during the International Youth Day 2024, but it was rescheduled because of the National protest for end-bad-governance.
The theme of the Seminar is, ‘Leveraging on Technology/Social Media For Wealth Creation/Sustainable Development,’ by which he believes that the youths possess multidimensional talents that must be harnessed effectively, in order to achieve their full potentials at appreciable levels.
He called on governments at all levels to give greater attention to building the capacities of the youths in the state and the nation at large.
According to Mr. Friday Bako, the objective of the SEPI includes, Educational Empowerment, Skills Acquisition, Supports for youths, widows, aged and the less-privileged, Mentoring and Leadership Training, Peace Advocacy and Campaigns, Good governance and Anti-Corruption Campaigns and New Media Training (effective use of the social media).
The Executive Director further explained that, “The Summit intends to achieve, build the capacities of the youth population, provide a platform that will enable the youths to appreciate the opportunities that abound in the social media and how to make money through the social media.
“Others are: to help the youths to have knowledge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), having noticed the knowledge gap and poor appreciation of same among the youths, which has adversely affected them; mentor the youths on leadership and achieve a youth population that will be self-sufficient and purpose-driven,” he said.
While presenting a Paper by one of the resource persons, Matthew Tegha, on ‘Embracing Social Media for Wealth Creation,’ he observed that “In today’s digital age, social media has evolved beyond mere communication.
“It serves as a powerful tool for personal growth, business expansion, and financial success, and it is also essential for individuals to recognize and harness the diverse ways social media can be leveraged.
“Whether for relaxation, communication, or business, social media should hold significant value in one’s life,” he said.
He said, Global Internet Usage Statistics, especially Global Internet Users is about 5.3 billion out of over 8 billion people in the world, who use the internet.
Mr. Tegha explained further that, 37 percent of Internet Users in Nigeria are between 24-34 years of age, while 70 percent are between the ages of 18 and 34.
“These figures highlight the significant role social media plays, especially among younger demographics in Nigeria, and the potential for engagement and influence in this space,” he stated.
He urged the youths to use social media effectively, because it can transform into a platform for creating wealth, adding that, understanding its dynamics allows one to communicate more efficiently and explore various monetization avenues.
According to him, “Youths, in particular, are the most active on the internet, with the majority using it extensively for relaxation, networking, and information sharing, showcasing the potential for turning social media into a revenue-generating tool.
“Social Media can help them in E-Commerce and Marketing, utilize social media platforms for selling products or services directly, especially platforms like Instagram and Facebook can serve as effective marketing tools to reach a global audience and reduce business costs.
“It also helps in creating engaging content, which can attract a significant following, whether through blog posts, videos, or social media updates. Content creation is a pathway to monetization. Regularly producing valuable content helps build a personal brand and can lead to financial opportunities, among others.”
Mr. Tegha stressed that, “Building a successful online presence involves overcoming challenges, such as dealing with authenticity issues and adapting to platform-pecific algorithms. For instance, growing a TikTok following may require engaging in trending challenges or creative content.
“The goal is to transform social media into a tool that aligns with personal and professional objectives and embracing its potential. Staying consistent and continuously evolving strategies can lead to significant achievements in the digital realm,” he stated.
Another speaker, Mr. Ibrahim Kallamu, also, in his Paper, titled, ‘Leveraging on Technology for Sustainable Development,’ called on Governments, NGOs, and the private sector to work together to expand digital infrastructure, provide affordable internet access, and promote digital literacy.
According to him, “The initiatives such as public Wi-Fi hotspots, community tech centers, and educational programs can help bridge the digital divide. Implementing robust cyber-security measures and data governance frameworks is essential for protecting digital systems and personal data.
“Governments should enforce regulations that ensure data privacy and security, while organizations should adopt best practices for cyber-security.
Mr. Kallamu pointed out that, “Leveraging technology for sustainable development is not just an option; it is a necessity in today’s rapidly-changing world. While challenges such as the digital divide, cyber-security, and the environmental impact of technology persist, the potential benefits far outweigh the risks.
“By adopting inclusive, ethical, and sustainable approaches to technology development and deployment, we can harness its power to achieve the SDGs and create a more equitable and sustainable future for all,” he noted.