The Federal Government has urged young Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities available on social media platforms to drive self empowerment and economic independence.
The call was made on Saturday in Uyo by Hajia Hauwa Liman, Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact, during a youth summit themed Leveraging Opportunities Building a Future Ready Youth. Liman encouraged participants to pursue productive activities that would enable them to become self reliant, noting that government’s role was to provide an enabling environment for growth and productivity. She stressed that young people must take responsibility for shaping their own future.
Liman said social media, often viewed primarily as a tool for entertainment, offers vast opportunities for learning, entrepreneurship, and global engagement. She urged youths to be deliberate about personal development, adding that they did not need political patrons to succeed. According to her, consistent investment in skills and knowledge would naturally open doors to new opportunities both locally and internationally.
In his keynote address, Prof. Akpan Ekpo of the University of Uyo called on governments at all levels to create frameworks that prepare young people for emerging economic realities. The professor of economics and public policy urged the Federal Government to review the national education curriculum to better reflect industry demands and global trends. He added that sustainable national development depends on recognising youths as strategic partners and active agents of change.
Also speaking, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerete Ekanem, encouraged young people to acquire relevant skills that would position them to seize opportunities in a competitive environment. Chairman of the event, Prof. Comfort Ekpo, advised participants to avoid procrastination and make decisive life choices, warning that ignoring opportunities could deepen poverty. The summit concluded with a raffle draw that awarded free business registration to 20 participants and tuition only scholarships to four tertiary students, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.