ILO partners other UN agencies to empower Nigerian youths on digital economy
By Eberechi Obinagwam
The International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with sister agencies (UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNFPA, and UN Women), has empowered 30 people between the ages of 18-24 with essential skills to thrive in the digital economy through the Digital Content Creation, Short Film Distribution and Health Advocacy Academy in Lagos.
The initiative which focuses on promoting employability, entrepreneurship, and social impact aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being and also underscores the UN’s commitment to creating pathways for young people to access decent work opportunities while leveraging technology for positive change.
At the ceremonial handover of certificates of participation on Thursday at the Eko Hotel, Lagos, Country Director, Dr. Vanessa Phala, in her goodwill message, said the program was designed to empower the next generation of creative leaders, with vital skills in digital content creation, short film production, and storytelling.
Phala, who was represented by Dr Runo Onosode, Technical Expert, ILO explained that the experience has not just been about mastering technical skills, but has been about opening doors to the digital future—a world where opportunities are limitless for those who can innovate, create, and share impactful stories. “The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and with the tools and skills you now have, you are better equipped to harness this dynamic space to make meaningful contributions to society,” she told the graduating students.
She reminded the students that the program was not just about technical know-how, but about fostering social impact. “You have been equipped to be changemakers—individuals who use the power of storytelling to drive awareness, promote public health, and inspire positive change in your communities.
As we ceremonially hand over these certificates of participation to you, it is my hope that you take what you have learned here and build upon it. Let this be the foundation for your future endeavors, whether in the digital economy, creative arts, or as advocates for a better world.”
Dr. Victoria Isirmen, HIV Specialist for UNICEF, said five UN organisations and its sister agencies that works with young people came together to conceptualise this project and to work with creative minds in Nigeria.
According to her, they sent out a kind of competition to get the best people for the project because the investment they are making is heavy. And out of five hundred (500) entries, thirty (30) was selected.
“We selected just 30 out of about 500 entries. And we selected the best and we have invested a lot of money into them. And what I’m sure, based on even what you’ve heard the marketers talk about, this dividend will be accrued within a short period.
“Everybody knows that young people in Nigeria are creative, they are innovative, they are passionate, they have the zeal, and they have the energy.”
“So we want to really convert all this into positive dividends for themselves, environment and the country. They are going to be great influencers. They have been taught the skills of making short video clips. And basically filmmaking, and they have been here for about two weeks. And so everybody that has come here to provide one training or the other is giving them information that will help them with content creation.”
She stressed the need for the graduating students to be smart and well behaved in their dealings.
Isirmen, noted that they will keep tracking them to ensure they are on the right track and also advocate for the government to come up with some kind of schemes and initiatives that they can plug into and give back, to keep evolving and to be a positive dividend for the country.
Also, veteran Nigerian actor, Keppy Ekpenyon, revealed that Africa has the youngest youthful population in the world, with over 70% being children under 30, which means there are people who are born with a lot of anticipation, and hope, which makes initiative like this crucial in shaping and guiding their future.
Emphasing the impact the creative industry is making in Nigeria, he said the industry in itself is employing the largest number of youth presently, taking a lot of people off the streets, reducing excesses like bribery, reducing excesses like prostitution, and so on and so forth.
“Of course, you’ll notice that even in spite of the fact that all over the world we have increased numbers of mental health issues, Nigerians, because of creativity, dream better at night. Because of the creative industry, they know there’s hope for themselves.
Nigerians have a present class of social media influencers who are making so much money, and they’re now almost self-independent. So, we can’t begin to capture the full impact. We’ll need a report, but we can see the dividends of the creative industry and its contributions to the world.”
He urged them to stay focused, stay on the right path, and use their talent profitably.