NIGERIA- In the bid to facilitate growth and contribute to the development of Nigeria via youth engagement and empowerment, Intellect9ja, a youth oriented establishment, under her Star Network Conference (SNC) series, has set out to roll in series of capacity building conferences for youths in Nigeria, particularly those in various tertiary institutions. The need for this, at this time, becomes necessary for the true transformation needed by the country.
According to the press release from the organisation, it is noted that, if the naira land mean well and is ready to record any significant breakthrough in science and technology, then, there is an urgent need to tap into the abilities of the youth organ by placing “special focus on” their “stupendous underemployed, untapped and inexplicable talents and potentials.”
The Press Release, as signed by the PR Manager for the 2017 Star Network Conference, Mr. Jubril Mahmud, reportedly reinstated the group’s commitment in joining hands with necessary bodies to drive the nation forward. The release further disclosed the group’s faith in the youths. “We believe in the intellectual ability of Nigerian youths, and are therefore working hard to put premium on intellectualism,” Jubril stated.
The group confirmed that “Technology and sustainable economy are the locomotive forces in any developed country of the world.” And that the “…world today is all about change makers and entrepreneurs who are creating solutions for their communities from high school.”
Therefore, in addressing the situation with her transformation philosophy, Intellect9ja identified that “the advent of internet has opened the sight of every user to what’s obtainable in other places of the world,” hence, the table has turned and a number of youths have refuse remain mere spectators in the drama of evolution but instead, have joined in to “embraced the idea of building and equipping their individual self to become entrepreneurs and tech savvies,” as the case may be. In confirming this, the group, as documented in the press release revealed that: “We have since then witnessed a number of bodies springing up and events coming up with the sole aim of inculcating ideas, knowledge and information in the teeming Nigerian youths.”
The conference, as proposed, “would feature, entrepreneurs, business executives, industry leaders as speakers.” The audience, on the other hand, shall comprise of students of any of the hosting tertiary institutions and visiting students from other institutions.” The intent of staging the conference is to train “over 15, 000 students annually through Idea conceptualization and validation, fund raising, business best practices, administration, and resources management.”
Commenting on when and where the series will kick off, it is announced that the event will flag off with Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo hosting Saturday, 12th of August, 2017. Also, it is added in the release that a prelude to the 2017 S.N.C series, tagged 9jaYouth Innovation Fair (9-YiF) will be staged on Friday, 11th of August, a programme to commemorate International Youth Day 2017, with the theme “Peace building through innovations in technology, communications, and entrepreneurship,” to feature a “Youth Discussion Session” where “youths from across the country would discuss the theme, identifying challenges, and charting a progressive way forward.”
It is in this light that the organisation, according to the Public Relations Manager, Mr Jubril Mahmud, looks forward to partner with other bodies and agencies willing to associate with the initiative.
“We are open to collaboration to make this a success. We hereby call on elite companies and establishments to stand up to this corporate social responsibility. This is another business opportunity to become our partners, sponsors, and endorsers for this timely project aimed at rescuing youths from poverty and unemployment at this critical time in our economy. Nigerian students in tertiary institutions, who wish to volunteer to be part of the event can do so.”
Correspondent: Ridwan A. Olayiwola
