NASFAT YOUTH CONF: Govt. urged to focus more on advocacy and sensitization on digitalization
June 9, 2023 Shukrah Adebayo
Government at all levels have been called on to continue to look into the education, advocacy and sensitization of the public on how to be more informed and educated as regard digital economy and digitalization.
The call was made at the world press conference of the 16th Nasfat Youth annual Conference by the National Ameerah of the youth wing, Hajia Kafayat Oyewo-Oyelere, on Thursday June 8, 2023 at Ilaaji hotels and complex, Akanran, Ilaaji area of Ibadan in Oyo State.
Hajia Oyewo-Oyelere noted that it is important that the government continue to lend their hands, as it’s quite known that digital transformation has come to stay, the world is going digital and the world is going on a transformational journey.
“So, if you don’t go along with time, you will definitely be left behind. Therefore, we are calling on government to continue to look into education, advocacy and sensitization of the public on this development.”
“We also appreciate that National examinations are now being held online but of course we want it to be improved on, because it’s really an eyesore that we see situations where our young ones experienced having to walk long distances before getting their exams written. But definitely with more sensitization on the digitalization this should be adequately addressed.”
Rolling out the activities lined up for the 16th Youth conference, tagged Ibadan 2023, the National Public Relations Secretary of the Youth wing and the chairman planning committee, Bro. Abdulahi Abiola Lasisi said, the conference will open between Friday 9th to Monday 12th June, 2023 at Ilaaji hotels and resorts complex in Akanran. The theme for the conference is “Digital Economy and Youth Entrepreneurship: Breaking new grounds”.
According to him, “our reason for picking this theme is that, we are in digital world and we also want to empower out youth in the area of entrepreneurship. We know we don’t have so much white collar jobs therefore we want to drive the attention of our members into this area of entrepreneurship, so that they can also can be employers of labour, of course it is not that this is new but we believe that by merging digitalization and entrepreneurship, the youth can be able to break new grounds which is major reason we have chosen the theme for this year.” Guests that will be interacting with the youth at conference include CEO First Bank group, Dr. Kazeem Adeduntan, Nasfat President and Chairman National Economic Summit Group, NESG, Mr. Mumin Niyi Yusuf, Chief Missioner of Nasfat, Imam Engr. Morufu AbdulAzeez Onike among others.
On Friday June 9, is the arrival day for all delegates coming from different places in the globe where Nasfat is domiciled. For instance, UK, Togo, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana and all parts of Nigeria. There’s going to be free health screening on health related matters such as eye test, dental check, hepatitis B&C, blood sugar level, BMI, HIV test will be done for about 1,000 residents of Akoro at Akoro primary health centre and mosquito nets will also be shared.
“This humanitarian services will be carried out by Nasfat in collaboration with the Oyo State government as it’s a big project. Our intention is to cover 1,000 residents and that’s why the exercise will start as early as 8:00am. Also Special Jummat service to be observed at KokaKola mosque where the theme of the conference will be spoken on.”
Traditional Cultural Night will also be held on Friday to round up the day’s activities.
He added that on Saturday June 10, Series of training sessions, about nine will be held simultaneously at the venue. Also panelist session with the topic “Creativity, Innovation and Leadership: the way forward for the Nigerian Youth”. This session will be handled by array of panelists to do justice to the topic, among the panelists expected are Mr. Shakiru Lawal(Nestle), Mr. Akeem Onasanya (StartUp Innovative).”
Interactive session on Dawah with the Chief Missioner of Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society, Nasfat, where various religious, marital, professional etc matters will be torched light.
Sunday June 11 will witness Asalatu session, Mentorship session where successful individuals in different field of works will sharing their experiences and efforts to guide the youth aright in their different chosen career and skills.
“The beautiful idea among others to be derived from this session, is for the invited guests for the mentorship session to identify potentials among the delegates for them to become their Mentees which is our goal that in about five years time, these Mentees would have been so rightly guided that they would have captains of industries, so they can also come back to the youth wing and so same and the process will continue and become a tradition in the annual Nasfat youth conference.”
Few of the guests that have confirmed their presence for the session are Vice Chancellor, Fountain University Osogbo, Prof. Ramota Olayinka Karim, Alh. Remi Babalola, the Jagunmolu of Ibadanland, Aare Lekan Owolabi, District governor of Lions Club Int’l in Nigeria, Dr. Bola Azeez(NDC of First Adequate Benefit Insurance Ltd.), Alhaja Tyson Ajala (an Independent Director of Sunnu Assurance), Dr. Adeyemi AbdulFatai(founder of Baynul-Khum) to mention but a few.
“What we have done as regard this training is that, after series of researches, we found out what our members really need and that’s exactly what prompted these training sessions.”
In his words, during the press conference, the Nasfat National Youth Secretary, Bro. Kabir Raji who was ably represented by Bro. Tajudeen Olasupo, the Assistant National Youth Secretary, spoke with the journalists and highlighted the significance of this year’s conference theme.
He stated, “The theme serves as a reminder for all of us to step out of our comfort zones, challenge ourselves, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.”
Raji emphasized that the impact of the NASFAT Youth Conference in shaping the lives of countless young people. The conference has been instrumental in providing mentorship, guidance, and organizing community projects that make a difference. These initiatives include free medical tests, community clean-ups, and public awareness campaigns on important issues.
He also emphasised the importance of breaking free from old habit, pattern and forging new paths towards growth and development especially now that the economy of the world is so fragile, and every nation is trying to survive.
He further enjoined the youths to support the policies of the government at all levels, think of how to move the nation forward and make it a better place to stay.
Guests at the World Press Conference included Sis Kafayat Oyewo-Oyelere (National Ameerah ), Bro. Abdulahi Abiola Lasisi (National PRO/ CPC CHAIRMAN)
Bro Tajudeen Olasupo (National Noib-Ameer), Alhaji Bayo Azeez (ZONAL CHAIRMAN OYO ZONE 1), Alhaji Saad’Allah Adekilekun (Zonal Missioner OYO ZONE 1) among others.