Embrace digital technology, NDDC, stakeholders urge Niger Delta youths

The management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in collaboration with regional stakeholders, has called on Nigerian youths, especially those in the Niger Delta, to adopt digital technology as a transformative tool to enhance their skills and contribute to national development.

This message was a key resolution from the International Youth Day celebration for Delta youths, held on Wednesday at Agba Sol Hotel, Oleh, Delta State. Organised by the NDDC, the event aimed to honour young innovators who have developed impactful digital solutions in the region.

With the theme ‘Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development’, the programme highlighted the vital role of young people in leveraging digital tools to drive sustainable development.

According to the NDDC management, the initiative sought to equip youths with digital skills, provide a platform to showcase innovations and foster partnerships supporting youth-led digital solutions.

In his welcome address, NDDC Chairman Mr Chiedu Ebie, represented by Comrade Michael Akpobire, urged Niger Delta youths to embrace digital technology, stressing its potential to unlock significant opportunities. He emphasised that digital tools can transform young people from job seekers to employers of labour, adding that the internet, when used productively, can serve as a catalyst for sustainable development in the region.

Keynote speakers, Prof Presly Obukadata, a brand and strategic communication expert from Delta State University, Abraka, and Dr Okpako Ejeata, Dean of Computing at the University of Delta, Agbor, explored the limitless opportunities youths can leverage to contribute to national development and improve their well-being.

Prof Obukadata, in his keynote address titled From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development, stated that the theme addresses one of the nation’s most pressing challenges. Reflecting on Nigeria’s economic journey, he noted that over-reliance on the status quo has left many youths disconnected from sustainable development.

“We often make theoretical commitments without translating them into actionable change,” he said. His presentation emphasised the need to harness Nigeria’s abundant resources and vibrant youth to ignite progress and achieve sustainable growth.

“As our youth population grows—dynamic, tech-savvy, and eager for change—we must seize this moment to redefine our economic landscape. We must unlock the potential of our young people to make the 17 SDGs not just goals, but realities. The phrase ‘clicks to progress’ captures the transformative power of digital engagement in driving sustainable development.”

He explained that digital platforms provide opportunities for knowledge dissemination and collaboration, allowing youths to engage with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) innovatively. “Social media amplifies youth voices and fosters a sense of community around sustainability issues. This connectivity enables the rapid exchange of ideas and advocacy for sustainable initiatives.”

From a practical perspective, Prof Obukadata stressed the need for actionable pathways that turn online engagement into tangible outcomes. “While digital tools create awareness, structured opportunities, such as training in digital literacy, are crucial to ensure all youths, regardless of background, can harness digital tools to drive change,” he added.

Echoing these sentiments, Dr Ejeata urged Delta youths involved in internet fraud to redirect their skills toward lawful, productive activities, such as becoming registered ethical hackers. He noted that while internet scams may offer temporary gains, they cannot stand the test of time. “No matter how smart a criminal thinks they are, the law will eventually catch up with them,” he warned.

Dr Ejeata called on government, religious, and non-governmental organisations to help channel the focus and energy of Niger Delta youths towards using digital technology positively for the nation’s benefit.

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