Organisation Holds Transformative Digital Safety Youth Fellowship Program

The Safe Online Youth Fellowship Program, organised by NerdzFactory Company and supported by Meta, recently concluded a successful three-day bootcamp at the Youth Development Centre, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.

The event aimed to equip Nigerian youth with vital skills to navigate and secure themselves in the increasingly risky digital and online space.

The fellowship program brought together 20 young leaders, NYSC corps members from Lagos and Ogun States, engaging them in intensive training sessions designed to combat digital threats and promote online safety. The initiative focused on empowering these young leaders to educate secondary school students about the dangers of the digital world, thus extending the program’s impact.

Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, attended the event, underscoring its significance. In his address, Obasanjo emphasised the critical role of education in national development and the importance of youth engagement.

“National development is a collective responsibility, and education is very important as an instrument that you can use to contribute optimally to national development,” he said.

Obasanjo also inspired the participants by reflecting on the power of dreams and innovation.

“Youth is a period of dreaming but realistic dreams, and if you are youth without a dream, then I wonder who you are. It is necessary you dream about your life and what you can do,” he added.

The Founding Partner of NerdzFactory Company, Ademulegun Olowojoba, highlighted the importance of this initiative, explaining, “Our goal is to equip youths with the knowledge to protect themselves from cyberattacks. Every day, individuals are vulnerable to threats such as phishing, data theft, and other cyber risks. By educating these NYSC corps members, we aim to reduce teenage exposure to digital threats and foster a safer online environment.”

The Programs Manager at the Youth Development Centre, Kehinde Omolara, emphasised the need for greater advocacy in digital literacy.

She noted, “Despite the growing reliance on the internet, there is still a significant gap in awareness regarding digital safety. This program is a crucial step in bridging that gap and protecting our youth from online predators.”

Also, the Programs Supervisor at NerdzFactory Company, Omozele Umoren, discussed the responsible use of social media, reminding participants, “The internet forgives but never forgets. It is imperative to use social media wisely and be mindful of the digital footprint we leave behind.”

Participants, including Kenechukwu Okonkwo, an NYSC corps member serving at Federal Government College in Sagamu, Ogun State, praised the program for its proactive approach to digital safety.

Okonkwo expressed his gratitude, saying, “This initiative is a lifesaver. It equips us with the necessary tools to stay vigilant against digital dangers, ultimately protecting millions of Nigerians.”

The Safe Online Youth Fellowship Program not only provided practical skills for online safety but also fostered a sense of collective responsibility among the participants. As Obasanjo encouraged during the event, national development is a shared duty, and education is a powerful tool in driving this forward.

The fellowship program stands as a testament to NerdzFactory’s commitment to social innovation and human capital development, paving the way for a safer digital future for Nigerian youth.