News
Bridging the Digital Divide: Youth Lead the Charge on Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Joel Ajayi
Young innovators have emphasized the need for improved connectivity as a crucial tool in bridging the information gap that hinders sustainable development, particularly in underserved communities. This call to action was a central theme at the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) event, held under the theme “Accessible by Design: Inclusion Starts Here.”
The event brought together tech entrepreneurs, policy advocates, and communication experts to discuss the digital divide and the role of innovation in promoting inclusivity across Nigeria. The highlight of the day was a panel discussion where speakers identified a lack of awareness, poor infrastructure, and limited access to digital resources as major challenges confronting youth-led innovation in the country.
Speaking at the event, Asma’u Abdullahi, convener of the program and Executive Director of Slumtech—a FinTech organization focused on developing sustainable technologies for urban low-income communities—stressed the need for a more enabling environment for young innovators to thrive.
“This is an avenue for everyone in the FinTech sector to thrive, connect, and explore opportunities,” she said. “We put a lot into organizing this—bringing together resource persons and creating platforms for knowledge-sharing. Beyond this conference, we’ve planned courses and clubs to continue mentoring them. Through Slumtech, we are breaking barriers and serving as a buffer, especially for those in rural communities who lack access to connectivity. The government can’t do it all alone. We’re stepping in to provide the basics and support young people, especially young women, in accessing the opportunities they deserve.”
Abdullahi also encouraged more female participation in tech, urging young girls to seize available opportunities, emphasizing that the digital economy must be inclusive and empowering for all.
Eric Obianozie, founder of 24 Telemed, a healthcare startup offering telemedicine services to remote communities, echoed similar sentiments. He commended the initiative, noting how programs like GAAD could help dismantle barriers and demystify technology for people in underserved regions.
“When we launched 24 Telemed in Anambra and Kaduna, we encountered serious resistance,” Obianozie recounted. “Many people weren’t familiar with technology and didn’t trust virtual consultations. It was a shock to see how much skepticism there was. But with programs like this, I’m hopeful that young people—especially those in rural areas—will begin to see digital tools not as foreign, but as gateways to better healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. Globalization has put knowledge at our fingertips, and we must harness it.”
Also lending his voice was Jakpo Ukueku, CEO of Rayven Strategic Communication Limited, a firm that provides marketing and communication strategy for organizations. He pointed out that lack of access to information remains one of the most pressing issues stifling innovation in Nigeria.
“There’s a serious knowledge gap in Nigeria,” Ukueku said. “A lot of people in the tech space are not just held back by infrastructure but by a lack of information. What we’re trying to do through conferences like this is to shorten that gap, promote strategic partnerships, and encourage sponsorship. We can’t keep relying on the government. The private sector has a huge role to play in promoting inclusivity and technological advancement.”
this event further underscores a growing commitment among stakeholders to use innovation as a force for social good. With voices like Abdullahi, Obianozie, and Ukueku leading the charge, the message is clear: access, awareness, and collaboration are the keys to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that no one is left behind in the age of globalization.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
