Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports hosted the 2024 International Youth Week, themed “Youth Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development” at the Western Hall, House of Assembly Complex.
The event, which brought together young people, experts, and stakeholders in the digital innovation space, aimed to promote youth-driven solutions for sustainable development.
“Honorable Wasilat Adegoke, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, delivered a warm welcome address, emphasizing the importance of empowering young people in driving digital innovation for sustainable development. She stressed that young people are the backbone of the country’s future and that their involvement in digital innovation is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals.
Honourable Adegoke highlighted the government’s commitment to providing young people with the necessary skills, resources, and support to harness the power of digital technology and create innovative solutions that address societal challenges. She encouraged the participants to take advantage of the International Youth Week program to learn, network, and share ideas that would propel them to become leaders in digital innovation and sustainable development.”.
A representative from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the dangers of narcotics and the compelling reasons why young minds should avoid the use of hard drugs. The officer provided a comprehensive overview of the types of narcotics, their effects on the human brain and body, and the long-term consequences of addiction.
“Dr. Seun Fakorede, Executive Adviser to the Governor, delivered a keynote speech, sharing valuable insights on the critical role of youth in harnessing technology for sustainable development. He emphasized that young people are the driving force behind innovation and that their creativity, energy, and passion can be leveraged to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Dr. Fakorede highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting youth-driven initiatives and encouraging innovation, citing several initiatives already underway to promote digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation among young people. He stressed that the government recognizes the importance of creating an enabling environment for youth to thrive and is working to provide the necessary resources, mentorship, and support to help them succeed.
The keynote speaker also stressed the need for collaboration and partnership between government, private sector, and civil society to harness the power of technology for sustainable development. He encouraged young people to be proactive, take risks, and explore new ideas, assuring them that the government is committed to providing the necessary support to help them achieve their full potential.”
The showcase provided a platform for young innovators to showcase their ideas, products, and services, and receive feedback and guidance from experts and potential investors. The audience was impressed by the depth and breadth of the projects, which demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges facing the community and innovative solutions to address them.
Following the showcase, Olugbenga Ogunbowale, CEO of Grant Master, led a networking break, providing opportunities for participants to connect and collaborate. The session was highly interactive, with participants engaging in meaningful conversations, exchanging ideas, and exploring potential partnerships and various means of accessing grants.
The networking break was a perfect opportunity for young entrepreneurs to connect with industry experts, mentors, and potential investors, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices in digital innovation. It also provided a chance for participants to build relationships, share knowledge, and learn from each other’s experiences.”
The ideation challenge brought together teams of young people to brainstorm and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. A panel discussion on “Youth Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development” moderated by Director for Youth Development and Honourable Ademola, representing Mr. Babatunde Ridwan, CEO of Floral Prints Limited, provided a platform for in-depth discussion and exchange of ideas.
The audience was engaged in a questions and answers session, seeking clarification and insights from the panelists. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by a closing ceremony.
The Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports is committed to empowering young people to drive digital innovation for sustainable development. We believe that youth are the future, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the necessary support and resources to succeed.