The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria has urged youths to equip themselves with digital skills in order to contribute to economic growth.
The JCI made this known at its second Global Digital Economy Summit (GDES 2.0) tagged: ‘Digital Transformation: Defining our Success Pillars.’
According to the chamber, the move was part of its efforts to increase members, specifically young adults, to become stakeholders in the digital economy.
Olawale Bakare, National President of JCI Nigeria, emphasised the impact of technology on all sectors of the economy.
He stated that it, among other things, redefines how and where people work, increases the pace of work, and expands employment opportunities, making the benefits of the digital economy limitless.
In October 2021, the first GDES was birthed with support from JCI South Africa and JCI Germany.
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It brought together digital economy enthusiasts and created a platform to facilitate connection and collaboration in the pursuit of a more inclusive digital economy for Nigeria as a country, Africa as a continent, and the world at large.
According to Ruth Oppiah- Idowu, Director of Business Opportunities, JCI, in her welcome remarks, GDES 2.0 (The Surge) sought to consolidate on the resounding success that was recorded at the GDES 1.0.
She said: “We understood that there has been a surge in attention, interest, stakeholders, players, investors, focus areas, regulators and regulations in the digital world and if we must record deliberate and strategic successes.
“It is imperative that we understand our metrics – the reason which has informed the decision of the theme of today: “Digital Transformation: Defining our Success Pillars,” she added.
Meanwhile, Bakare described the GDES 2.0 as a platform for fostering corporate relationships and facilitating business exchanges.
According to him, in the aftermath of the global pandemic’s unprecedented effects, it has become critical for Nigeria, and indeed the rest of the world, to rebuild itself, its economy, businesses, and human resources.
“It is in the view of these adverse times that the JCI believes that there is no better way of fulfilling its mission and vision in the world than being a force of empowerment to its individual members, communities and businesses in every country.
“This summit looks at the digital economy from a global perspective with a view to applying best practices that can guarantee success for the Nigerian digital ecosystem,” he said.
