Mathew Tegha, a prominent blogger and social media strategist, has called on youths in Plateau State to harness the potential of technology and social media as avenues for wealth creation and sustainable development. This appeal was made during the International Youth Day 2024 Seminar, organized by the Social Empowerment & Peace Initiative (SEPI) in Jos.
The seminar, held on Sunday, August 18, 2024, brought together various stakeholders to discuss empowering youths across the digital economy. In his opening remarks, Mr. Friday Bako, Executive Director of SEPI, emphasized the event’s focus on equipping youths with the skills needed to thrive in various sectors, including educational empowerment, skills acquisition, and leadership training.
“SEPI is committed to nurturing skills that lead to success. Our objective is to create a platform that helps youth recognize the opportunities offered by social media while providing them with the tools needed to harness these resources for economic advantage,” Bako said.
He further highlighted the pressing need to address the knowledge gap in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among young people in the region. “We have noted a significant deficiency in ICT understanding, which hampers the capability of our youth to thrive in the modern digital economy. This seminar aims to bridge that gap and encourage youth to become self-reliant and goal-oriented. It is essential for governments and institutions to focus more on this issue to fully tap into the diverse talents of our young population,” Bako added.
Mathew Tegha, while delivering his lecture, focused on the dynamic role of social media in wealth creation, highlighting its transformative potential for both personal and financial growth.
“With approximately 5.3 billion internet users worldwide, and over 70% of Nigerian users between 18 and 34 years old, there is substantial opportunity for engaging these platforms. Smart social media use can greatly enhance business prospects and lead to financial success, with avenues such as e-commerce, content creation, and influencer marketing,” Tegha explained.
He also stressed the importance of building a strong personal brand on social media, noting that it is crucial for unlocking new business ventures and securing endorsements. “Building and maintaining a credible personal brand on social media is vital for unlocking new business ventures and securing endorsements. This process involves creating captivating content that resonates with your audience,” he said.
Tegha further elaborated on the need to understand platform-specific challenges and algorithms, particularly on channels like TikTok and Instagram. “A successful social media strategy requires an understanding of platform-specific challenges and algorithms. By addressing these intricacies and ensuring consistency, individuals can turn social media into a powerful resource for wealth generation and career advancement, capitalizing on its extensive reach and impact,” he concluded.
Mr. Ibrahim Kallamu, a digital marketer, blogger, and IT consultant, delivered a presentation on the role of technology in sustainable development. He stressed the importance of digital literacy in connecting youth to opportunities within the global digital landscape.
“Technology forms the foundation of sustainable development in the modern world. By empowering our youth with digital skills, we enable them to engage in the global economy and address urgent societal issues. It isn’t solely about generating income; it’s about crafting solutions that benefit the community,” Kallamu explained.
He also shared practical strategies for monetizing digital platforms, including content creation, e-commerce, and digital marketing. Kallamu encouraged attendees to explore blogging and social media as viable income sources while promoting ethical practices. “In our current era, anyone with a smartphone and internet access can become a content creator or entrepreneur. However, it’s crucial to approach these opportunities with responsibility and a commitment to sustainability. We must harness technology not just for profit, but for the common good,” he emphasized.
