1 month ago
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The Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, has called for greater collaboration between government officials and youth in advancing digital innovation and social development.
He emphasised this at the Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards held in Abuja on Thursday.
In his keynote address, Olawande emphasised the critical role of young people in shaping Nigeria’s future.
“Young people are the driving force behind innovation, particularly in the digital realm,” he stated.
He emphasised that effective governance should prioritise empowering the youth.
Olawande highlighted the importance of youth engagement in policy-making, noting, “When we express concerns about policies, it’s rooted in our desire for progress.”
He cited alarming statistics regarding youth in correctional facilities as a reminder of the urgent need for targeted support and empowerment.
“This highlights that our focus should be on empowering youth rather than solely catering to older generations,” he added.
The minister noted that this call aligns with the conference’s theme, “Digital Innovation as a Catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda,” which reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a more inclusive and digitally-driven Nigeria.
Olawande stressed the necessity of actionable commitments from leaders, stating, “We need to engage meaningfully with one another, particularly with our global counterparts, to share knowledge and strategies for fostering positive change.”
He called for collaboration among stakeholders, saying, “Events like this should go beyond mere discussions; we need actionable commitments.”
The conference, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, attracted a diverse group of thought leaders, technology experts, and government representatives.
The Bureau’s Director-General, Dr. Dasuki Arabi welcomed attendees by highlighting the transformative power of digital technologies in reshaping governance and enhancing public service delivery.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume echoed the call for collaboration, noting that the government’s commitment to a digital-first approach is crucial for achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We seek to modernize operations, streamline processes, and create more transparent and efficient systems,” he stated.
The conference aims to foster discussions on leveraging technology for sustainable growth, particularly in priority areas such as economic diversification, national security, and public health.
Olawande reiterated the readiness of the youth to partner with leaders for positive societal impact.
“We, the youth, are ready to partner with you and contribute to the positive development of our society. Let’s work together to create a brighter future,” he said.
