Date: March 10th to 12th, 2026
Protocol.
Chairman of the occasion, Traditional Chiefs, leaders of thought, invited guests, civil society groups, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, I greet you all.
I’m honored to stand before you today to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s unemployed youths.
We gather to find solutions to these challenges, focusing on leveraging media and social platforms to amplify youth issues and influence policy. Our Theme Today titled: “Using Media and Social Platforms to Amplify Youth Issues and Influence Policy”. For a decade, unemployed youths have struggled with limited opportunities, poverty, and marginalization.
The theme is apt, as social media has become a powerful tool for mobilization and advocacy. We must harness this power to raise awareness, build movements, and push for policy changes that benefit our youth.
Social media has revolutionized the way we live, work, and interact. For young people in Nigeria, it’s a powerful tool for creating job opportunities and building successful careers.
WHY SOCIAL MEDIA MATTERS
* It amplifies your voice and showcases your skills.
* It connects you with potential employers, clients, and mentors.
* It provides access to global markets, resources, and information.
STRATEGIES FOR CREATING JOB OPPORTUNITIES
* Build a Professional Online Presence
* Create profiles on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter (X), YouTube, and Instagram.
* Showcase skills, experience, and achievements.
* Network and Engage
* Connect with industry professionals, thought leaders, and peers.
* Participate in online discussions, share insights, and provide value.
* Develop Digital Skills
* Learn skills like content creation, news writing, professional comedy, publishing, digital marketing, and social media management.
* Enhance your employability and entrepreneurial prospects.
* Leverage Social Media for Job Search
* Utilize job boards, career websites, and social media groups.
* Reach out to recruiters, hiring managers, and industry experts.
* Monetize Your Content
* Create valuable content (videos, blogs, podcasts) and monetize it.
* Partner with brands, promote products, or offer services.
SUCCESS STORIES
* Mark Angel Comedy and Oga Sabinus: Popular Nigerian content creators who built successful careers through social media.
* Many young Nigerians use social media for remote work, freelance projects, and starting businesses.
* #EndSARS: A social media campaign in Nigeria that gained international attention to call for police reform.
* #FeesMustFall: A student-led movement in South Africa using social media for free education.
* #ClimateStrike: A global movement using social media to raise awareness about climate change.
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS
* Digital Illiteracy: Invest in digital skills training and online resources.
* Internet Connectivity: Advocate for better internet infrastructure and access.
* Online Harassment: Build a support network, report incidents, and prioritize online safety.
Let’s work together to verify information, use secure platforms, and combine online activism with offline actions.
To our leaders, we demand action: They should create jobs, invest in education and skills training, and provide opportunities for economic empowerment. We will not be silenced; we will not be ignored.
CONCLUSION
Let us march forward, united in our quest for a brighter future. Together, we can amplify our voices and drive change.
Social media platforms provide a direct channel for youth to reach policymakers and influencers. As I conclude, I want to thank you for your patience. It’s time to change our mindset. We don’t have to wait for white-collar jobs that may never come; we can create our own opportunities.
In Nigeria, politicians often prioritize their own interests. As graduates, we suffer because the education system hasn’t adapted to today’s reality. Relying only on certificates won’t guarantee a job.
So, I urge you to take matters into your own hands. Learn a skill—digital, vocational, or entrepreneurial. Don’t wait for government handouts. Create your own path.
Thank you for participating and for your curiosity about driving change. I wish you all the best on your journey to success. God bless you!I really appreciate you, God bless you all!
