Lagos: Stakeholders in education and youth development have urged Nigerian teenagers to use technology more intentionally to drive innovation, national development, and social impact. They gave the charge on Saturday at the 30th Annual Teenage Festival of Life (TFL), organised by Action Health Incorporated (AHI) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this year’s festival was held in partnership with the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC) and the Lagos State Ministry of Education. The event, which brought together students from public secondary schools across Lagos, was themed ‘Young People Leveraging Technology for Social Good’.
Mrs. Adenike Esiet, Executive Director of AHI, highlighted that adolescents and young people represent more than half of the national population and are pivotal in Nigeria’s rapid adoption of modern technology. She emphasized the transformative power of technology, noting that digital tools could address pressing challenges such as hunger, poverty, and limited access to healthcare.
Ms. Funso Bukoye, Programme Manager at AHI, stated that by promoting intentional tech use for social good, the festival empowers a digitally savvy generation to drive sustainable development across sectors. She called for ongoing support from government, educators, and stakeholders to expand digital literacy programmes and bridge the digital divide.
Dr. Christiana Dasaolu, Assistant Director of Basic Education Services in the Lagos State Ministry of Education, urged youths to stay curious and develop a balanced approach to maximize the benefits of technological opportunities. She commended the state government’s efforts in improving digital access in schools and expressed optimism for achieving full computer-based testing by 2030.
Mrs. Yinka Oladipo, Lagos State Director of the Agency for Mass Education, stressed the role of technology in improving students’ academic performance and access to information. She cautioned that young people need proper guidance to avoid negative influences associated with digital platforms.
Learning strategist Mr. Adewunmi Adeyemo encouraged teenagers to use technology creatively, noting that simple digital tools can drive meaningful community impact. A student participant, Etoa Anthony, shared that technology has made schoolwork easier through access to information and digital learning resources.
The festival featured drama, music, and poetry performances from various schools. St. Luke’s Junior Grammar School, Bariga, won the first position in the Drama and Poetry Category, using the event’s theme to portray how technology can address the pressing issues faced by adolescents.