01/05/2026
NASITDEA DG at Nasarawa Youth Opportunity Summit 2026
The Director-General of the Nasarawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (NASITDEA), Haruna Sani Sani, has called on young people to take full advantage of emerging opportunities in the digital economy, noting that millions of online jobs remain underutilised due to gaps in skills, awareness, and mindset.
He made this known while speaking as a panelist at the Nasarawa Youth Opportunity Summit 2026, where he stressed that many youths are still not fully engaging with available opportunities, instead waiting for handouts or relying on unproductive activities. He urged them to be proactive, acquire relevant skills, and position themselves for opportunities in the growing digital space rather than depend solely on government employment.
Haruna Sani Sani highlighted an ongoing partnership between NASITDEA and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which provides a one-year program for qualified graduates under the age of 30. The initiative offers a monthly stipend of about ₦150,000, alongside structured training and work experience designed to prepare beneficiaries for the digital economy.
He also pointed to expanding opportunities in e-commerce and digital markets, where goods and services can be traded across borders, as well as in content creation and other technology-driven services. According to him, digital innovation continues to open new income streams, and he encouraged experienced professionals to mentor young people, especially in areas of technology and innovation.
Beyond the digital space, he noted that opportunities also exist in agriculture, natural resources, and mining, including emerging e-agriculture systems that rely on technology to improve productivity. He added that artificial intelligence is creating additional avenues where individuals can develop and monetize digital content, tools, and creative solutions.
According to him, these opportunities can only be fully realised when young people are willing to learn, adapt, and take action. He emphasized that NASITDEA remains committed to providing tools, training, and access to platforms that can help youths build sustainable livelihoods, and encouraged them to actively register and participate in available programs.
In a separate panel contribution, another speaker at the summit also highlighted broader concerns around youth engagement in development programmes. The panelist observed that while thousands of young people apply for opportunities, only a small percentage actively follow through, often due to unrealistic expectations around financial gain or lack of commitment to training processes.
He noted that in several interventions, including large-scale training and internship programmes, participation has not always reflected the level of demand, with many applicants failing to complete programs or fully apply acquired skills. He also raised concerns about awareness gaps and the need for better communication of available opportunities across different platforms.
The panelist further emphasized the importance of discipline and proper utilization of support systems, noting that mismanagement of grants and resources has in some cases discouraged continued investment in youth-focused initiatives. He stressed that funding and training programmes are most effective when participants understand responsibility and purpose.
He concluded by urging young people to shift focus from immediate financial expectations to long-term skill acquisition and productivity, stating that sustainable success in today’s economy depends on knowledge, consistency, and a willingness to learn and apply skills effectively.
