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Youth Urged to Harness Digital Technologies for Development

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3 months ago

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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.

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Mutiu Adepoju Urges NFF to Retain Augustine Eguavoen as Super Eagles Coach

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5 hours ago

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November 22, 2024

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Former international, Mutiu Adepoju, has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep Augustine Eguavoen in charge of the Super Eagles.

Eguavoen took charge of the Super Eagles in interim capacity in September.

The 59-year-old guided the team to qualify for AFCON 2025 with three wins, two draws and one defeat.

The NFF are reportedly still planning to hire a foreign coach for the three-time African champions.

Adepoju however said his former teammate should stay in charge of the team.

“I would rate him very well. Number one, we’ve qualified for the AFCON, which is one of the objectives,” he told Brila FM.

“I would say he has done well and is still doing well.

“They should keep encouraging him. I believe he’s getting things done, I will rate him high, let just keep supporting him.”

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Kano State Hosts 8th Annual Audit Forum to Enhance Transparency and Accountability

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23 hours ago

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November 21, 2024

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The 8th Annual Audit Forum, organized by the Office of the Auditor General of Kano State, was held recently, focusing on strengthening transparency and accountability in public financial management. .

Isma’ila Musa, the Auditor General of Kano State, welcomed the participants and highlighted the constitutional and legal mandates that guide the auditing process. “Sections 125(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and 36(i) of the Kano State Audit Law, 2021 (as amended) mandate the Office of the Auditor General to audit the accounts and financial statements of the State Government and all Offices and Courts,” he stated.

Musa expressed immense gratitude to His Excellency, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Governor of Kano State, for his support in making the event possible. “It is very important to note that a strengthened fiscal transparency will help build trust in governance,” he emphasized. He added that the Audit Forum is a reform intended to reduce opportunities for corruption and abuse of public resources, thereby increasing the efficiency of public expenditures.

The Auditor General also acknowledged the contributions of various officials, including the Hon. Commissioner Ministry of Planning and Budget, the Accountant General, the Executive Chairman of Kano Internal Revenue Services, and former Auditors General, among others. “My sincere appreciation to all the invitees here present for honoring our invitation. I wish us a successful 8th Kano State Annual Audit Forum,” Musa concluded.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Honorable Tukur Fagge, praised the exercise for its potential to enhance resource management and ensure the success of the tasks at hand. “This exercise will enhance resources management and will realize the success of the task,” Fagge stated.

Sarkin Shanon Kano, Shehu Muhammad Dankadai, who served as the royal father of the day, also graced the event, adding to the significance of the occasion.

The forum underscored the commitment of the Kano State Government to upholding transparency and accountability, reflecting the administration’s dedication to effective and efficient service delivery.

 

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Breaking: Former Secretary of Federal Electoral Commission, FEDECO, Ahmadu Kurfi Passes On at 93

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1 day ago

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November 21, 2024

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Late Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi

 

A former secretary of the Federal Electoral Commission, Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi, has passed away.

A family source, Jafar Yakubu, informed NIGERIAN TRACKER about the death of the pioneer secretary of the Federal Electoral Commission, who supervised the 1979 general election.

 

Jafar Yakubu said Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi died at the age of 93 and his Janaza funeral prayers will take place by 2:30 PM at Kurfi in KATSINA state .

 

Dr. Amadu Kurfi, OFR, was born in 1931. He was a former chairman of the then Marketing Board, former Federal Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Defence, and the first person to acquire a BSc degree in the whole of Katsina State, at University College London in 1957.

 

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