By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
Some stakeholders in Kogi, have called on youths to develop entrepreneurial mindset and embrace the use of innovation and technology to foster socio-economic development in the country.
The stakeholders gave the advice on Monday in Government House, Lokoja, at Oladele John Nihi (OJN) Annual Symposium, tagged: “Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment: Panacea to Foster Socio-economic Development in a Society”.
In their various comments during Panel discussion, the stakeholders emphasised the need for Nigerian youths to develop entrepreneurial mindset, adopt agriculture and use of technology to become self-reliant and employers of labour.
The state’s Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Dr. Helen Aderibigbe, reaffirmed the state government’s keen interest in building the youth capacity through innovation and technology (IT).
She restated the commitment of the state government to continue to invest in primary and secondary education to bringing up students that would be IT compliance.
“Our ministry is positively disposed to youth development in all ramifications especially through innovation and technology as well as artificial intelligence (AI) to foster socio-economic development in Kogi,” Aderibigbe said.
Other panelists urged the youths to explore the numerous benefits in agriculture and forex trade using IT to creating values that promote socio-economic growth in the society.
The Keynote Speaker, Dr Oladele Peters, urged students to have the mindset of developing a skill from secondary school to be self-reliant, saying government cannot provided job for all.
Peters, an Entrepreneur guru, stressed that youth entrepreneurship and empowerment would drastically reduce insecurity, social vices and poverty in the country.
On his part, the Guest Soeaker Mr Lawrence Zhiya-Huleji, the State Coordinator, NACCIMA, Youth Entrepreneurs, noted that Kogi is naturally well positioned for unlimited progress.
He urged the youth to always think out of the box and explore their environment using innovation and technology to create job opportunities in the society.
The guest speaker emphasised the need for youths to engage in vocational skill learning, to make them self-reliant, rather than waiting for white-collar opportunities.
The Royal father of the day, the Obaro Kabba and Chairman Okun Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, stressed the need to engage more professiobals in various field to enlighten the youths in subsequent events.
The paramount ruler urged the youths to pay rapt attention to every segment of the program to learn something different that would transform their lives.
Earlier, the birthday celebrant, Mr Oladele John-Nihi, said the said the day marked a significant milestone in his life as he celebrated his 36th birthday anniversary.
“The past three decades have been a testament to God’s grace and my continuous growth in all aspects of my life. I echo the sentiment, ‘To God be the glory,” he said.
John-Nihi noted that the OJN Annual Symposium which was inaugurated in 2020, was inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium in Lagos in 2019.
He added: “Our mission was to create a platform for youth leaders and young individuals to converge and discuss pressing societal issues.
“Over the past five years, we have consistently delivered successful events, and this year’s edition surpasses previous ones in grandeur.
“I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo, for appointing me as his Chief Press Secretary and later as Special Adviser on Youth & Student Matters. Thank you, Sir, for your fatherly love and support.
“I also express my gratitude to my daddy, Director General Government Administration and Chairman of today, Alhaji Dr. Umar Oricha Shaibu, for your love and support,” Nihi said.