For young people, particularly persons with disabilities, access to practical skills and economic opportunities remains an important pathway to greater independence and participation in society.
It was against this backdrop that EDFRICA and DADE Initiative brought together young people especially persons with disabilities on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, to mark International Youth Day under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
Held at the Edfrica Innovation Hub under the theme, the programme provided participants with practical knowledge aimed at helping them build skills, promote their businesses and become more economically self-reliant.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of EDFRICA, Dr. Odumusi Emmanuel, called for greater collaboration among government, private organisations and development partners to create more opportunities for young people and persons with disabilities.
“Without them, the world will not be complete,” he said, stressing that persons with disabilities must be included in development initiatives and economic opportunities.
A major highlight of the programme was a practical digital-skills session facilitated by Dayo Ogundeyi, which introduced participants to artificial intelligence and its application to learning, creativity, business development and marketing.
Participants learnt how to write effective prompts for AI tools such as ChatGPT, Googleflow, and applied the knowledge by developing 30-day plans for launching and promoting their products. They also explored how AI could be used to create promotional videos.
Enjoying this article? Share it with your network!
The session demonstrated how accessible digital tools can help young people turn their ideas and skills into practical opportunities.
The Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Dr. Lanre Oyegbola Sodipo, represented by Femi Akinbowale, encouraged participants to embrace digital learning, while the National Youth Council of Nigeria Chairman, Comrade Shoremi, represented by Adeshina Fatia, commended the initiative and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained.
For participants with disabilities, the programme also provided an important demonstration of accessibility.
Mrs. Akinola Olufunmilayo, a participant, in an interview With DAILY POST, commended Edfrica for making the venue accessible, noting that she had initially been concerned about whether she would be able to access the building comfortably.
“I was very skeptical about the accessibility of it. But on getting there, I saw that they truly had a well-constructed ramp that made accessing the building very easy for myself and other persons with disabilities,” she said.
She, however, urged government to move beyond policy discussions and implement existing disability legislation.
Another participant called for inclusion at all levels, saying, “They have been doing that but it's still not enough. Inclusion is needed at all levels.”
The organisers said the programme reflected the belief that empowerment must go beyond celebration. By equipping young people, including persons with disabilities, with practical digital skills and creating spaces where they can learn and connect, the initiative seeks to expand access to opportunities.
