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Bridging the Digital Divide: Youth Lead the Charge on Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Published

2 weeks ago

May 16, 2025

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.

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Foreign news

Diplomatic Community in Nigeria Joins Italian Envoy in National Day Celebration

Published

9 hours ago

June 2, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

It was a vibrant evening of joy, connection, and cultural celebration as the Acting Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iacopo Foti, hosted members of Nigeria’s diplomatic community in Abuja to commemorate Italy’s National Day, la Festa della Repubblica.

Held in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, the event was a memorable gathering marked by laughter, heartfelt exchanges, and a shared appreciation for the enduring ties between Italy and Nigeria.
In his address, Mr. Foti described the occasion as a time to reflect on the core values that define Italy: liberty, democracy, justice, and the enduring creativity and resilience of its people.

“It is a day to celebrate our rich history, our unparalleled cultural heritage, and our contributions to art, science, and innovation,” he said. “But beyond Italy, today we also celebrate the strong and growing bonds between the Republic of Italy and the Federal Republic of Nigeria — our economies, our cultures, and above all, our people.”

The ambassador emphasized the depth of the bilateral relationship, recalling that diplomatic ties between Italy and Nigeria were established on February 20, 1960. He noted that since the 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria has become a second home for many Italians who have contributed significantly across various sectors.

“We are proud to be part of this welcoming and vibrant society,” he said. “I have personally witnessed the dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and warmth of the Nigerian people, as well as their hospitality toward the Italian community.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Foti expressed optimism about the future of Italy-Nigeria relations, pointing to untapped opportunities for deeper economic cooperation, technological collaboration, and cultural and academic exchange.

“Nigeria is a cultural powerhouse, a leader in Africa and globally in art, literature, and film,” he remarked. “Italy, with its deep-rooted cultural legacy, is eager to expand its engagement with Africa, and particularly with Nigeria.”

He acknowledged the growing Nigerian interest in Italian culture — from fashion and design to cinema and tourism — while noting that Italy hosts the third-largest Nigerian diaspora community globally, after the United States and the United Kingdom.

The ambassador also highlighted the countries’ cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, peace and security, migration, and human trafficking. Both nations are signatories to the Paris Agreement and active participants in global policy dialogues.

“Our relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding,” he noted. “We see this in our economic ties, cultural exchanges, love for football, and the increasing number of Nigerians who study and travel to Italy, as well as Italians drawn to Nigeria’s rich history and culture.”

He pointed out the many shared qualities between Italians and Nigerians, from strong family values and communal bonds to a vibrant fashion industry and a dynamic film sector.

“We are both historically migrant societies that have achieved success abroad while keeping close ties to our homeland,” Mr. Foti said. “We share humor, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life’s ironies.”

Addressing the issue of stereotypes, he cited renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, saying: “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete.”

He concluded by expressing gratitude for the support of Nigerian authorities and all who attended the celebration.

“On behalf of the Italian government and the people of Italy, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined us. Your presence is a testament to the strength of our friendship and our shared future.”

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