As Nigeria grapples with a high unemployment rate, a growing number of young Nigerians are turning to social media platforms to forge paths of self-employment. In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), these youths expressed their enthusiasm for the income-generating opportunities that social media offers, which have enabled them to become self-reliant.
The interviews coincided with the 2024 International Youth Day, which carries the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” The theme highlights the transformative power of digital technology in empowering youth worldwide.
For many Nigerian youths, social media has become an office without walls, a space where creativity and passion can be monetized with minimal investment. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn have provided avenues for these young entrepreneurs to showcase their skills, reach a global audience, and sustain a decent lifestyle.
Victor Adeosun, a Project Manager at Buypower Pass, emphasized the vast marketing potential that social media offers. “As a creative, I can reach any audience through social media space for business opportunities, and the reach is unlimited. I can advertise my business to people in the UK, US, Pakistan, and anywhere else,” he said.
Akoja Olamide, a student and web designer, shared how social media has opened doors for him. “Through social media, I have been able to meet new people and make connections that can aid my journey to being self-reliant. Social media is a tool that allows me to share my own stories with the world in the way I want, and it is like a canvas that I get to paint and guide people’s perception of me.”
For others, social media has provided a platform to engage in profitable activities such as cryptocurrency trading. Odushile Omodolapo, a corps member involved in the crypto business, explained how following relevant accounts on platforms like Twitter, Discord, and Telegram has kept him informed and even brought unexpected financial gains. “I remember I got $140 from a Twitter giveaway I came across from an account I was following. Besides that, there are other small freebies I have gotten,” he recalled.
Elisha Gideon, a brand strategist, highlighted the importance of networking on social media. “I try to connect with like-minded individuals and professionals to build relationships that can lead to collaborations or job opportunities on social media. I engage in activism and use social media to raise awareness about social issues. I also follow organizations that provide educational content, funding opportunities, and mentorship programs tailored for youth. Even though I have never gotten a grant before, I hope one day I will,” Gideon shared.
Blessing Anolaba, a Development Communications Expert, offered insights into the diverse opportunities available on social media for the youth. “With the advent of social media, there are now job titles like brand influencers, social media commentators, network marketers, and bloggers, among others. The Gen Z generation, even a bit of millennials and generations to come, should not have any excuse to be poor because there are a lot of platforms available now.”
Anolaba further encouraged the youth to maximize the potential of their smartphones and social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for networking and collaboration. “Platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, and Instagram provide access to a certain level of learning and skill development. You can promote your businesses online; connect to potential buyers if you know how to maximize those platforms,” she added.
As more Nigerian youths embrace the digital age, social media continues to serve as a critical tool for self-employment, offering hope and opportunities in an otherwise challenging economic landscape.
