In today’s digital world, cyber addiction has become a growing challenge among youths. The excessive use of social media, online gaming, and unproductive internet browsing has led to wasted potential, low motivation for offline jobs, and missed digital opportunities. However, rather than viewing cyber addiction solely as a problem, we can transform it into an opportunity for economic empowerment.
At the Youth Empowerment and Opportunity Summit, held on 16th February 2025, Engr. Mustapha Habu Ringim, the CEO of Engausa Global Tech Hub, delivered a powerful presentation on how digital inclusion can be leveraged to create employment opportunities for cyber-addicted youths.
Understanding Cyber Addiction
Cyber addiction is characterized by the excessive and unproductive use of digital platforms. Some common signs include:
- Social media obsession without meaningful engagement.
- Online gaming without monetization.
- Endless streaming or browsing without productivity.
The impact on employment is significant, as many youths lack the motivation for offline jobs, struggle with social and networking skills, and fail to take advantage of digital career opportunities.
From Cyber Addiction to Digital Empowerment
To turn this challenge into an opportunity, digital inclusion must be prioritized. This involves:
- Ensuring access to the internet, devices, and relevant training.
- Providing mentorship and internships to guide young individuals toward digital careers.
- Creating a supportive ecosystem, where governments, the private sector, and NGOs work together to promote digital skills and entrepreneurship.
Key Digital Career Opportunities
There are numerous career paths available in the digital economy, including:
- Freelancing & Remote Work: Writing, graphic design, web development, and programming.
- Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking: Legal hacking and digital security roles.
- E-commerce & Dropshipping: Selling products online.
- Affiliate Marketing & Social Media Management: Monetizing online influence.
- Digital Entrepreneurship: Launching startups, online courses, or mobile apps.
ENGAUSA’s Role in Digital Transformation
Over the past five years (2019–2024), Engausa Global Tech Hub has played a leading role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future by empowering thousands of youths through technology-driven solutions. Some of the key achievements include:
- Training and apprentices 6,278 from diverse backgrounds in sustainable tech skills, fostering digital literacy and employability.
- Creating over 8,000 jobs across Nigeria and neighboring countries through innovative digital programs.
Among the success stories are:
- A young lady with exceptional photography skills, who gained recognition through her work under the brand Khulsum Photo Speak. Her ability to capture meaningful moments and tell compelling stories through photography has not only provided her with financial independence but has also positioned her as a role model for aspiring female photographers.
- Sulnaj Perfumes, a thriving perfume brand that started as a small venture but has now expanded its reach, leveraging digital marketing to attract customers across different regions.
- BK MASA, a business that transformed traditional masa (rice cake) production into a structured and profitable venture through strategic online branding and e-commerce integration.
By identifying and nurturing hidden talents in digital and entrepreneurial spaces, Engausa has successfully created platforms for young individuals to monetize their skills and contribute to the economy.
- Incubating and accelerating 535+ startups, enabling young graduates to establish their own businesses in various fields.
- Awarding 2,511 scholarships through the Engausa Skills Development Foundation (ESDF), empowering the next generation of tech innovators.
- Expanding from 1 to 4 training centers, increasing access to tech education for marginalized communities.
- Developing the Engausa Academy App, a digital platform providing affordable, flexible learning opportunities for aspiring tech professionals.
- Fostering inclusivity by supporting Almajiris, school dropouts, widows, and people with disabilities through specialized training programs.
- Achieving national and international training accreditations, ensuring high-quality certification for graduates.
- Driving innovation in emerging technologies, including patenting two groundbreaking products a digital power bank and a rechargeable device for rural areas.
Through these milestones, Engausa is actively transforming mindsets by focusing on skills, manpower, and local innovations, rather than just paper qualifications.
Heartfelt Appreciation for Engausa Global Tech Hub
On behalf of Kano Entrepreneurs Hub, we extend our deepest gratitude to Engr. Mustapha Habu Ringim for his esteemed presence at the summit. His insights and contributions left a lasting impact on our participants and inspired young entrepreneurs to strive for excellence.
His unwavering support for youth empowerment and digital inclusion is a testament to his dedication to fostering entrepreneurship in our community.
Call to Action:
It is not too late to transform the mindsets of our youths.
By entrenching digital inclusion, language inclusion, educational inclusion, and financial inclusion, we can channel cyber addiction into productivity that fuels socioeconomic growth. By developing and monetizing digital skills, providing mentorship, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, we can turn online engagement into a powerful tool for economic empowerment.
Let’s work together to build a future where digital skills empower our youth, create job opportunities, and drive sustainable development.
Are you ready to embrace the digital revolution?
