Media
By Tennyson Sampson
THE security system is not only considered as one of the biggest challenges facing the country, it poses a serious threat to youth development in the country.
Therefore, a panel of discussants met in Lagos on Friday, July 21, 2023 on the theme ‘Securing the Future: Youth Power, Culture & the Creative Economy’ at the Africa soft power event, supported by Ford Foundation, the Africa Women’s board and the Open Society Foundation.
The panel had Akintunde Oyebode, Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance and economic development, Seun Fakorede, Oyo State Commissioner for youth and Sports, Adaora Ikenze, director of public policy for Anglophone West Africa, and Njideka Agbo, CEO/Founder as discussants.
The panelists, who are youths and experts in their various fields of endeavours, took time to engage the participating youths in attendance to dissect and provide the roadmap for securing the future.
One of the panelists, Akintude Oyebode, said that the issues of banditry, kidnapping and killing amongst others in some parts of the country constitute serious problems affecting the development of young people in the country.
He explained that if young Nigerians can understand that there is punishment for every crime and wrong doing, it will help in checking inappropriate behaviours.
On the role that government has played in the area of security, Seun Fakorede, stated that although the government would always be expected to put things in place, but it is the people who go against the structure, institutions and the law governing them.
Responding to concerns of the media, Adaora Ikenze, stated that the level of digital illiteracy is outstanding. She explained that it is not enough that people have phones, many people are still fundamentally illiterate on the use of technology, how technology impacts their lives and the responsibilities that come with it. “This poses as the biggest problem,” she added.
Folashade Anozie, a presenter, creative strategist and lawyer, who moderated the panel session, said that social media was a tool for disruption and as well as the tool for young people to engage and share ideas.
Speaking to Realnews at the event, Seun Fakorede, advised young Nigerians to be original and start without relying on government.
He urged the youths to tell their stories the exact way it is.
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July 22, 2023 @ 17:58 GMT|
Tags: Adaora Ikenze Akintunde Oyebode Njideka Agbo Seun Fakorede
