THE chairman of the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Chiedu Ebie, has urged youths to leverage digital tools to drive social change.
The digital landscape, he said, has fundamentally altered how young people interact with information, resources, and each other, despite scholarly research indicating that digital platforms serve as both a medium for knowledge dissemination and a space for collaboration.
Ebie spoke in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, during the celebration of the International Youth Day, 2024.
Speaking on the theme, “From Clicks To Progress: Youth Digital Pathways For Sustainable Development,” he said the phrase “clicks to progress” encapsulates the transformative potential of digital engagement among youths in driving sustainable development, maintaining that it is imperative to recognise the potential of young people, especially in Delta State, as forces for societal growth.
“For instance, social media can amplify youth voices, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose around sustainability issues.
“This connectivity allows for the rapid exchange of ideas and best practices, which can lead to collective action and advocacy for sustainable initiatives.
“From a pragmatic standpoint, the phrase ‘clicks to progress’ highlights the need for actionable pathways that translate online engagement into tangible outcomes”, the NDDC chairman said.
According to him, “while digital tools provide avenues for awareness and mobilisation, they must be complemented by structured opportunities for youth to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development”.
In his lecture, Presly ‘Ruke Obukoadata, Professor of Brand, Strategic and Metacommunication, Delta State University, Abraka, said the prevalence of digital technologies enables youth to engage with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in innovative ways.
He said young people are crucial in leveraging digital pathways to address global challenges and achieve the SDGs, insisting their energy and creativity can shape a more sustainable future.
“Achieving the SDGs requires a significant transformation, which includes bridging digital divides, investing in education, critical thinking, and information literacy, addressing gender biases in the tech industry, and encouraging youth participation in shaping digital policies.
“Digital technologies, such as mobile devices and Artificial Intelligence (AI), are crucial for advancing the SDGs, contributing up to 70 per cent of the 169 SDG targets and potentially reducing costs by up to $55 trillion.”
In his address, Engr. Onoride Omouduyi, Director, NDDC Office, Warri, Delta State office, said the theme of the workshop was apt for perception change, innovation and youth engagement.
Represented by Mrs. Beauty Ufuoma Aikhomu, Principal Manager, NDDC, he reiterated the importance of empowering the next generation to be leaders in the area that matter most – social justice, education, climate action, and sustainable development.
According to him, “it serves as a call to action for us to recognize the incredible potential of young people and support them in their journey to create lasting change.”
The over 50 participants hailed NDDC for recognising the pivotal role of the youth in charting a digital path for sustainable development.
They promised to pass on the message that youths should adopt the digital road map for developmental purposes for the overall interest of society when they get back to their different communities.