From ‘Likes’ To Livelihoods: Oborevwori Urges Delta Youths To Monetise Online Influence
By AMANDA EZE
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has challenged youths in the state to move beyond the pursuit of social media popularity and turn their online influence into legitimate wealth, jobs and business opportunities.
The governor gave the charge on Thursday at the fourth Delta State Social Media Summit held at the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park and Film Village, Asaba.
Represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Oborevwori said social media had transformed the way people communicate, build audiences and participate in the economy.
He urged young people to stop measuring success solely through likes, followers and online clout. Instead, he asked them to develop content and platforms capable of generating sustainable income.
According to him, digital platforms have created opportunities for young people who might otherwise become job seekers to build businesses and employ others.
“Social media has given us a platform where individuals who ordinarily would have become prospective job seekers now become prospective employers of labour,” the governor said.
Oborevwori cited the example of the summit’s organiser, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Ossai Ovie Success, whose online platform, he said, demonstrates how social media influence can become a viable economic asset.
The governor explained that a large online audience could give an individual the reach of a conventional mass-media organisation. As a result, content creators can attract advertisers, commercial partnerships and other legitimate opportunities.
He described social media as more than a communication device, noting that the content created on digital platforms can reach large audiences and remain accessible to users regardless of their location.
However, Oborevwori warned youths against abusing the opportunities offered by digital platforms. He cautioned content creators against using social media to promote fraud, crime or other unlawful activities.
Rather, he urged them to create content that provides value, attracts audiences and builds credible brands.
The governor also stressed that government could not single-handedly achieve the state’s development aspirations. He called on young people, entrepreneurs and creatives to contribute their skills and ideas to Delta’s economic growth.
He encouraged participants to use the summit to network with established figures in the creative industry and develop relationships that could support their careers and businesses.
Oborevwori further linked the initiative to his administration’s economic agenda, pointing out that the creative industry featured among the key areas identified at the Delta State Economic Summit.
Earlier, Ossai said the summit was created to unlock the creative potential of Delta youths and expose them to practical opportunities in the digital economy.
He said the programme also sought to promote effective information dissemination, innovation and wealth creation while helping young Deltans turn their creativity and online presence into sustainable livelihoods.
The keynote address was delivered by Engr. Prof. Hilary Ijeoma Owamah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Delta State University, Abraka.
