COMMUNIQUE: INCNews247 Hosts Kwara Youth Economic Summit
Communiqué Issued at the End of Kwara Youth Economic Summit (KYES) Organized by Intercontinental News 247
Date: Saturday, 24th February 2024
Venue: NBA Hall, Ilorin, Kwara State
Theme: “Harnessing Kwaran Youths Economic Potentials Through Digital Transformation”
Preamble
The Kwara Youth Economic Summit convened by Intercontinental News 247 on Saturday, 24th February 2024, at NBA Hall, Ilorin Kwara State, saw the convergence of esteemed dignitaries and stakeholders.
Notable figures in attendance included Senator (Dr.) Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, the 9th National Assembly Member representing Kwara Central, who served as the Chairman of the Occasion. Representing him was Assoc. Prof. Saudah Salah, a distinguished University Don and public relations expert. The Chairperson of the occasion was Her Excellency, Ambassador Prof. Mrs. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the First Lady of Kwara State, and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon Abosede Buraimoh. The Guest Speaker, Honourable Muktar Tolani Shagaya, Member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, was represented by Dr. Abdullahi Ibrahim.
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Other notable attendees included the 10th Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon SY Danladi, represented by Honourable Member Ogbeni Seun Ogunniyi, the Guest of Honour, Engr. Rilwan Cook, represented by Comrade Olarenwaju Ishowo, SA on Digital Innovation to Kwara State Governor, Hon. Kayode Ishola, Honorable Commissioner for Youth Development, Hajia Nafisat Buge, represented by Hon. Mikhail Aileru, Global Executive Director of Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, Mr. Abideen Olasupo, and Hajia Fatimah Bintu Dikko, among others.
Discussion
In his welcome address, Comrade Alabidun Shuaib Abdulrahman, the Convener of Kwara Youth Economic Summit, urged the youth of Kwara to collaborate positively to enhance the state’s economic viability.
Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, in his opening remarks represented by Dr. Saudah Salah, emphasized the importance of embracing digital technologies for economic advancement.
While delivering his keynote address, Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. SY Danladi, represented by Ogbeni Seun Ogunniyi, affirmed that the assembly under his leadership is well inclined through its constitutional legislative instruments to stimulate and deepen the alignment of technology, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in the state.
During the panel session, various speakers highlighted the significance of digital skills acquisition in alleviating economic challenges.
Honorable Commissioner for Youth, Hajia Nafisat Buge, stressed the need for youths to acquire digital skills, which, when combined with other skills, can mitigate economic hardship.
Mallam Olasupo Abideen, the Global Director of Brain Builder Youth Development Initiative, emphasized the necessity of technology in all facets of life and advocated for government support to make digital training programs more productive. Additionally, he cautioned against the spread of fake news and called for collective efforts to curb its dissemination.
Hon. Kayode Ishola, SA Digital Innovation to Kwara State Governor, commended the involvement of Kwara youths in the digital world and urged continued support from the government.
Hajia Fatimah Bintu Dikko highlighted the challenges facing women in the tech industry, including religious and cultural barriers, and called for concerted efforts to overcome these obstacles.
Innovation
The summit organizers launched the “ONE KWARAN! ONE SKILL!” initiative aimed at training and empowering Kwara youths with essential tech skills to meet global demands.
Recommendations
1. The government should create an enabling environment for digital skills acquisition.
2. There should be a prioritization of digital skills empowerment by the government.
3. Intensive digital skills awareness campaigns should be conducted at the grassroots level.
4. Youths should proactively engage in learning and exploring various technologies.
5. Implementation of mentorship programs connecting experienced professionals with aspiring youth to guide them in their digital skill development journey.
6. Establishment of dedicated tech hubs and innovation centers across Kwara State to provide resources and support for budding entrepreneurs and innovators.
7. Integration of digital literacy and technology education into the formal curriculum of schools at all levels to ensure early exposure and proficiency in digital skills.
8. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society organizations to facilitate access to affordable internet connectivity and technology devices for all Kwara youths.
9. Incentivizing businesses to invest in digital training programs and job opportunities for Kwara youths, thereby fostering economic growth and reducing unemployment.
10. Regular assessment and evaluation of the effectiveness of existing digital skill initiatives to identify areas for improvement and ensure maximum impact.
Signed
Yusuf Mutiu Olaitan
Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee.
Aliyu Rahmah
Member, Communique Drafting Committee.
Muhammed Saheed Osioyemi
Member, Communique Drafting Committee.
