By Ibironke Ariyo
Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), a rehabilitation center in Abuja, has emphasised the crucial role young people play in harnessing digital technologies to drive sustainable progress.
Executive Director, VGADA rehab center, Dr Hope Omeiza said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday to commemorate the international Youth Day celebration.
VGADA Detox Centre is a specialist mental health rehabilitation centre in Abuja, which is overseen by the NGO, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA).
The centre offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services for drug addiction and other addiction disorders, stress related disorders, mental health disorders, psychological problems, family therapy, group therapy, social skills training and trauma-informed care and counselling.
Omeiza, however, said that digital innovation was a game-changer in achieving sustainable development, and youth were at the forefront of the revolution.
He also stressed the importance of digital innovation in unlocking youth potential for sustainable development.
According to him, let alone youths being the driving force behind digital innovation, they have the creativity, energy, and passion to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
“Youth are not just beneficiaries of development; they are also agents of change. They have the power to drive sustainable progress and create a better future for all.
“Young people are naturally curious, innovative, and entrepreneurial. They have the energy, creativity, and passion to drive sustainable progress using digital technologies.
“As the world marks International Youth Day, VGADA message is clear: youth are key to sustainable progress, and digital innovation is the tool they need to drive change.
“We must invest in our youth and provide them with the skills and resources they need to succeed. The future of our planet depends on it,”
The NGO boss said that the year 2024 IYD theme for International Youth Day, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” calls to mind, the accelerating and transformative power of digitalisation towards achieving some objectives.
Omeiza said that the center had rehabilitated and reintegrated thousands of youth, especially those who were problematic drug users.
He believed that digital technologies have the potential to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to poverty.
“Our youth need to leverage on these technologies to create innovative solutions.
“The center vows continual support for the government and other spirited individuals that are committed to youth empowerment.
“We must work together to address the challenges facing our youth,”he said.
