News

Youth Urged to Harness Digital Technologies for Development

Published

1 year ago

September 2, 2024

Youth Urged to Harness Digital Technologies for Development

ActionAid Nigeria has called on the nation’s youth to steer clear of negative uses of digital technology, urging them instead to harness it for personal growth and socio-economic advancement.

During a Youth Summit in Kano, Deputy Country Director, Suwaiba Muhammad, emphasised the importance of digital tools in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the role of young people as digital pioneers in driving innovation.

Muhammad warned against the dangers of unguarded digital consumption, encouraging parents and guardians to guide their wards toward the positive use of technology, as the nation’s future hinges on youth embracing these tools responsibly.

“Today, young people are leading the charge in digital adoption and innovation, with three-quarters of those aged 15 to 24 using the internet in 2022 a higher rate than other age groups. However, disparities persist, particularly in low-income countries (like our country Nigeria) and among young women, who often have less access to the internet and digital skills compared to their male
counterparts.

While there is an urgent need to enhance digital inclusion, youth are largely recognised as “digital natives,” using technology to drive change and create solutions. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global issues.

“This is a clarion call to all of us as parents, guardians and role models to ensure optimal and positive usage of digital technology among youth for personal growth, education, information, research and career development for the overall socio-economic development of our society.

“The society has been decaying with youth trooping for uncensored and unguarded digital information and technology that harm their psychological well-being and disrupt the social fabric for having a better and moral society. We need to be gatekeepers for social and economic development.

“Digital technologies such as mobile devices, services, and artificial intelligence are instrumental in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Data generated from digital interactions supports evidence-based decision-making. With profound impact across economic, social and environmental dimensions.” She said.

In his remark, the Executive Director of Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative, Dr. Mustapha Yahaya challenged the parents, and guardians on their roles as gatekeepers to ensure their wards optimally and positively tap from the available opportunities with the use of technological advancement.

While acknowledging the role of digital technology in mitigating unemployment and countering violent extremism, the Kano State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, lauded the efforts of ActionAid and DRDI, affirming the state government’s commitment to creating more opportunities for youth.

The program, funded by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) through the SARVE III project, sought to empower youth with the knowledge and tools needed to drive change and build sustainable communities in Kano State and beyond.

News

Ex-Minister Nwajiuba Declares Presidential Bid on ADC Platform

Published

58 minutes ago

January 20, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, has officially announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement released on Monday, January 19, Nwajiuba highlighted the pressing need for leadership capable of crafting sound policies, negotiating effectively, and engaging grassroots political structures across the country.

The former minister, who had also served as House of Representatives member for two consecutive times, had previously sought the presidency in 2023 on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform but did not advance through the party’s primaries.

Reflecting on his qualifications, Nwajiuba said, according to the statement, that “my experience across the legislature, the executive arm of government and key national institutions has equipped me with a deep understanding of governance, public finance and policy formulation.”

The statement outlined that Nwajiuba’s campaign will prioritise education reform, economic stabilisation, and the restoration of public trust in government institutions, describing these areas as critical to Nigeria’s development.

It added, “Experience, policy depth and institutional knowledge will form the central pillars of the leadership he intends to offer.”

“With his declaration, Nwajiuba joins a growing list of aspirants aiming to shape the national conversation ahead of the next general election, as debates around competence, experience and inclusive governance continue to gain momentum,” the statement noted.

The announcement positions Nwajiuba among a field of candidates seeking to present alternatives to the current administration, emphasising technical competence and practical governance experience as defining features of his 2027 bid.

News

CITAD Rallies Men as Allies Against Gender-Based Violence

Published

15 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has urged men to actively join the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and support the promotion of gender equality across communities.

The appeal was made on Monday during a one-day training organised for Male Feminist Network (MFN) champions at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) headquarters in Kano.

The training, which attracted 70 participants, was organised for members of CAN, Kano State chapter. The programme was supported by the Ford Foundation through the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development.

Speaking at the event, MFN Project Officer, Mr Sani Sa’idu, said the initiative was aimed at equipping men with the knowledge and skills to challenge gender-based violence and promote inclusive and respectful communities.

Sa’idu, who spoke on the topic “Gender, Feminism, Masculinities and GBV Awareness”, said the training was designed to build a movement of men committed to equality and the elimination of GBV.

“The aim of this training is to build a movement of men who are committed to equality, challenging harmful stereotypes and ending gender-based violence,” he said.

He added that the programme sought to empower men to become allies in the struggle for women’s rights and to advocate for inclusive and safe communities.

Also speaking, Apostle Samaila Joshua Asake, PhD, Chairman of the Youth Wing of CAN in Kano State, commended CITAD for taking the initiative to faith-based organisations.

Asake said engaging men, especially within religious institutions, was critical to addressing gender-based violence and fostering positive masculinity.

Similarly, the Secretary of CAN in Kano State, Rev. Ayuba Apollos Sabo, praised CITAD for organising the training and called for sustained collaboration to address social challenges.

“The church has a key role to play in promoting values of respect, justice and protection of the rights of women and girls,” Sabo said.

CITAD also used the occasion to call on men across communities to actively join efforts aimed at ending gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.