The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, on Thursday urged youths of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Faith Society to deploy technology for value creation, innovation and national development, rather than mere visibility.
She gave the charge while declaring open the 19th NASFAT National Youth Conference, themed, “The Empowered Ummah: Faith, Technology and Youth Leadership for National Progress,” held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.
Salako-Oyedele said technology had reshaped how people learn, communicate and influence, stressing that young people must harness it to make meaningful contributions to society.
She said, “Our nation today needs young people who are thoughtful, disciplined and guided by values. Not just ambitious, but responsible. Not just skilled, but grounded. If we are to make progress as a country, then we must build an Ummah that is not only spiritually strong, but also intellectually prepared and socially responsible.”
She added that leadership was not about titles but responsibility, noting, “Many assume leadership begins when we hold office, but it starts much earlier, in how we carry ourselves, how we treat others and how we take responsibility for our environment.”
The deputy governor commended NASFAT for sustaining the annual conference and encouraged participants to actively engage, ask questions and apply lessons learnt beyond the event.
In his remarks, the Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Salis, urged youths to develop vision boards, build skills voluntarily, uphold good character and remain accountable.
Also speaking, the NASFAT National President, Alhaji Ayodeji Abdulrauf, represented by his deputy, Engr. Kamardeen Olawuyi, alongside the National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Ganiyat Babalola, described the conference theme as timely, urging youths to uphold Islamic values of integrity, honesty and responsibility.
They noted that leadership was about service and sacrifice, adding that the future would be shaped by active and courageous young people ready to make a difference.
Delivering a lecture on the conference theme, Dr Jubril Salaudeen said Nigeria’s youthful population must be properly harnessed to avoid negative consequences.
He urged young people to master technology, stay focused, shun drugs, participate in politics and embrace teamwork, noting that many youths possess the potential to drive positive change.
Earlier, the National Youth Secretary of NASFAT Youth, Olasupo Olalekan, said the journey to an empowered Ummah required strong faith, sound character and a sense of responsibility, adding that young people must rise to promote unity and sustainable development.
