The need to ensure safe use of online information services and make it beneficial to Nigerian teens through their exposure to effective digital has been emphasized.
To achieve this goal, the Chief Executive of Adoni-Gilgal, Sabina Idowu Osehobo, says it is about time that the Computer studies curriculum of our schools is broadened to ensure adequate acquisition of digital skills by children as these skills are already ruling the world.
Sabina Idowu Osehobo gave this indication on Thursday at a seminar titled, “Digital literacy and Use of Social Media Platforms” organized by the NTA Uzairue in Etsako West Local government area of State, in commemoration of this year’s Children’s Day.
She added that the move has become necessary because all over the world, teens are growing up in an environment ruled by digital devices, the Internet, and
social media as video games and computers become their daily routines.
“We are now embedded in a media-saturated world, from media influencers through to movies. Nigerian teens are growing up with easy and regular access to the digital space and seeing content on these platforms which actively seek to attract
attention and communicate a message. The question that arises is ”Are they using these platforms effectively and safely?”
“While the growing digital inclusion is no doubt a good thing, the negative sides sometimes overweigh the positive sides, including reducing individual privacy, increasing crime potential, and causing
communication overload.
“The lack thereof of digital literacy skills required to engage in a safe and beneficial manner thus becomes a hurdle that needs to be tackled to
see that the growing digital inclusion among Nigerian teens is beneficial and not
harmful”.
She said, “Digital literacy skills will empower our teens by equipping them with the knowledge
on how to engage digital platforms in a manner that allows them to utilize the
greatness of technology for learning and thrive in an ever-changing digital world.
On the mission of Adoni Gilgal, she said it is an organization set up to equip and enhance productivity of youths with emphasis on Soft and Digital skills relevant in the local and global market even as they gain financial
independence and contribute to their local economy.
“An integral part of our organization’s human capital development initiative is the Skills Hub, which is an incubation centre for the development and marketing of Digital and Soft skills”.
Commending the management of NTA UZAIRUE led by Mrs Liz Johnson-Ibodeme, for organizing the Digital literacy seminar, she said it is not only timely and relevant but
also critical and significant as a foundation for further work to ensure that the Nigerian child is not left behind in the digital revolution.#