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Enugu state government has reiterated commitment to ensuring that all youths in the state regardless of their background have access to digital tools to reduce digital divide and promote inclusive growth.
The state commissioner for Health, Dr. Ikechukwu Obi stated this at an event to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day in Enugu.
Dr. Obi noted that government is partnering relevant institutions and organizations including international bodies to achieve its lofty idea of providing youths with the best opportunities to succeed in the digital age.
“In today’s rapidly evolving world, digital technology has become an indispensable tool for shaping the future. For our youth, these digital platforms are not just about clicks and likes; they are powerful instruments for learning, Innovation, entrepreneurship, and social change”.
” This year’s International Youth Day theme, emphasizes how these digital pathways can be harnessed to achieve sustainable development, transforming the potential of our youth into tangible progress”.
Speaking on this year’s theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”, Dr Obi said it is apt as it reflects the vital role that digital technology plays in empowering young people to drive sustainable development in the state and beyond.
Describing digital technology as indispensable tool for shaping the future, he added that they are also powerful instruments for learning, innovation, entrepreneurship and social charge.
“In Enugu State, we have witnessed remarkable progress towards the adoption of digital technologies among our young people. With 60% of Enugu’s population under the age of 30, and 23% specifically aged 15-29, the youth demographic represents both an opportunity and a challenge for the State”.
“More than ever, our youth are engaging in online learning, digital entrepreneurship, and tech-driven innovations that are contributing to the state’s economic growth and social development. However, challenges remain. Issues such as unequal access to digital tools, inadequate digital literacy, and the need for more robust support systems for youth innovation are areas that require our continued attention and action”.
“To address these challenges and further support youth in their digital journeys, our government has implemented several key initiatives, through the Enugu State Small and Medium Enterprise Centre (Enugu SME Centre) which include launching of comprehensive digital literacy programs across communities to equip our youth with the necessary skills to navigate and excel in the digital world, the establishment of youth innovation hubs across Enugu State to foster a culture of creativity and problem-solving, where young minds can collaborate and develop tech-based solutions to local and global challenges, supporting young digital entrepreneurs through the provision of resources, training, and funding opportunities geared towards helping them to turn their innovative ideas into successful ventures that contribute to sustainable development”.
“This is proof that the present government led by His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah is committed to ensuring that all youth, regardless of their background, have access to digital tools and the Internet, thereby reducing the digital divide and promoting inclusive growth”.
He called on all stakeholders to intensify efforts in supporting youths in the state to enable them lead the charge towards a more prosperous and sustainable society.
The Health Commissioner urged youths to harness digital technologies to achieve sustainable development.
Also speaking, South East Regional Clinical Quantity Manager, MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, Stella Abua- Onuorah, Francesca Ify Ezejiofor of the Association for Reproductive and Family Healt- ARFH ( CODSAIN PROJECT) and State Project Officer, Corona Management Systems, Okechukwu Vincent Okechukwu assured that they will continue to partner the Ministry of Health on issues that affect the youth to ensure a saner society .