Hamzat to youths: use your time on useful ventures

By Oyebola Owolabi

Youths have been admonished to use their time on informative articles and educational videos that can offer tangible solutions to real-world problems.

Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat gave the admonition at the 2024 International Youth Day Celebration, themed ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development’, at the Regency Event Hall in Ikeja.

The deputy governor noted that the conventional education system, limited to classroom learning, no longer provides the comprehensive preparation required for individuals to thrive and make a positive difference in a world increasingly shaped by technological advancements.

According to him, youths should not just be on the internet for TikTok videos, Instagram reels, among others, but ‘they should study the right things that will be beneficial to them’.

He said: “We should stop wasting our time and lives on frivolities and focus on practical things. My advice is always to get a book, find out why the author wrote it, and apply it. I encourage you to always read well-equipped books that can be useful to you and change your life for the better because reading books will keep you informed and more educated.”

Hamzat also admonished youths to expand their horizons beyond the theoretical foundations taught in the classroom, by embracing the vast opportunities available in the digital technology landscape ‘which is increasingly becoming the dominant force shaping the future of the world’.

He noted that digitisation is a three-pronged concept that encompasses people, processes, and technology, and added that young individuals should harness the power of digitisation to drive personal growth, state development and national progress.

“What is important is that technology is becoming a global village that gives people the opportunity to drive change in the development and growth of the country. The people who find the answers to digitisation and technological advancement will be successful,” Hamzat added.

Head of Service Olabode Agoro, in his goodwill message, said the world is experiencing tremendous transformation due to improved technologies, and youths are at the forefront, developing innovative solutions and driving progress.

Agoro also restated the government’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the digital aspirations of youths, prioritising initiatives that enhance digital literacy, provide access to technology, and foster a thriving environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.

He urged the youth to utilise their creative potential, energy and passion to create digital solutions that guarantee the actualisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aid building a better world for all.

Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Mobolaji Ogunlende noted that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment where the youth can thrive in today’s digital age.

 

 

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