The Federal Government on Friday, July 31, 2026, flagged off the Renewed Hope Students Leaders Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme for the South-East Zone, with a call on Nigerian students to become creators and innovators in the digital economy.

Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, Comrade Sunday Asefon Dayo, said the programme was designed to strengthen government-student engagement, expose young people to digital opportunities, and inspire a new generation of tech-driven leaders.

Asefon conveyed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, noting that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda places young people at the center of national development.

“The President firmly believes that Nigeria’s greatest asset is not just its natural resources but also the demography of its youthful population,” Asefon said. “This conviction continues to inspire policies and programs aimed at equipping students with the skills, opportunities, and platforms needed to thrive in the 21st century.”

He described the South-East as a region with a rich history of enterprise and innovation, stating that it was fitting to reward students who have harnessed digital technology to drive transformation in their communities.

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Highlighting the impact of the digital revolution, the SSA listed Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, software development, and digital marketing as areas creating unprecedented opportunities for young people.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that Nigerian students are not mere consumers of technology but creators of solutions, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who will drive the digital ecosystem,” he added.

Asefon said the programme has three objectives: to strengthen dialogue between government and student leaders, to equip students with practical digital skills for employability and entrepreneurship, and to inspire leaders who will use technology to solve societal problems and create jobs.

He urged student leaders to embrace leadership as a commitment to service, integrity, and impact, and to use the networking and training sessions to develop actionable plans for their institutions.

“We will continue to advocate for policies and programs that promote educational development, digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and national cohesion,” Asefon assured.

He commended partners, facilitators, and stakeholders for supporting the initiative, and charged students to believe in themselves and embrace innovation.

“Together, let us build a generation of digitally empowered leaders who will drive innovation, promote excellence, and contribute to the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he concluded.

The engagement brought together student leaders, young innovators, entrepreneurs, academics, and development partners from across the South-East Zone.

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