In a bold move to steer young people in the Niger Delta away from cybercrime and into legitimate digital careers, a high-tech organisation operating under the aegis of Mathesis Events has concluded plans to empower more than 1,000 youths with relevant technical skills that can help them thrive in the evolving global digital economy.
The initiative, set to take place during a summit scheduled for June 26, is aimed at reshaping perceptions among young people who may view cyber fraud—popularly known as Yahoo Yahoo—as the only lucrative digital path. Organisers say the event will offer fresh alternatives by introducing participants to various digital opportunities.
Speaking during a telephone interview with our correspondent in Calabar on Thursday, Preston Audu, spokesperson for the organisation, said the programme would be a transformative experience designed to inspire and re-orient the youth towards more credible and sustainable digital pursuits.
“The knowledge that will be gained at the June 26 summit will help re-orient the mindset of our young people,” Audu stated. “We want to challenge the idea that the only way to make money in the digital space is through fraudulent means. There are honest, creative, and highly profitable paths out there.”
Speaking on the theme of the summit, “Beyond Oil: Shaping a Digital Future for the Niger Delta,” Audu explained that the digital economy holds vast untapped potential that could become a new source of prosperity for the region.
“The era where the Niger Delta only associates wealth with oil exploration is over. There are abundant opportunities in the digital space just waiting to be explored,” he said. “With the right knowledge and tools, our youth can carve out their own paths without ever considering cybercrime.”
He maintained that the summit would provide practical training and access to resources that will enable participants to leverage digital platforms for success.
“This summit is not just about infrastructure and innovation, it’s about a mindset revolution,” Audu declared. “It’s about replacing fraud with foresight, and scams with skills. It is time to show our youth that the internet holds more than shortcuts. It holds careers, creativity, and credibility.”
According to the organisers, the event, which is supported by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will also provide starter packs worth N1 million each to select participants to help them launch their own ICT enterprises.
Audu further revealed that the summit will host conversations around a broad range of emerging sectors including broadband infrastructure, fintech, creative industries, agritech, clean energy, and digital entrepreneurship. The goal is to equip young people with access to global opportunities in remote work, digital transformation, and scalable enterprise.
“With this summit, we’re proving that the region can build a sustainable future beyond oil,” he added.
