Global Clusters Launches SparkHubs in Surulere to Boost Youth Digital Literacy
SparkHubs, a digital platform designed by the Global Clusters to provide free digital learning opportunities for about 37 million Nigerians and over one billion African youths, has been unveiled in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The platform offers access to real-life skills training, mentorship, free books, global networking opportunities, and digital literacy development.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held recently at Work Palace Hub in the Lawanson area of Surulere, the Surulere Coordinator of SparkHubs, Pastor Mrs. Tope Emovon, said the launch in the council marks the beginning of a grassroots expansion of the initiative across Lagos State.
According to her, the Surulere rollout follows the earlier state-level launch in Ikeja, after which the programme is expected to cascade across all local government areas of Lagos.
Emovon explained that many youths in Surulere, like in other communities, have yet to fully harness the vast opportunities available in the digital space, while some others spend excessive time online on unproductive activities.
The lawyer and youth coach said SparkHubs offers a structured platform that enables young people to engage online productively by learning practical skills that can translate into meaningful livelihoods.
She noted that the platform also connects users with reputable mentors, leaders, and role models, while maintaining a safe digital environment free from immoral or harmful content commonly found on general online platforms.
“With the SparkHubs platform, youths in Surulere will be more focused on productive engagements online and stay away from crime and negative influences,” she said.
Emovon added that the initiative is focused on digital empowerment for youths and communities, while also bridging the digital literacy and skills gap.
“This programme is very important for both youths and adults. We are pushing towards developing the right mindset among people in Surulere so they can become development-driven and focused on positive impact,” she added.
President of Global Clusters, Adekunle Badmus, expressed concern over the high number of young Nigerians who still lack basic digital literacy, noting that the situation limits their ability to compete in today’s global economy.
“SparkHubs is open to anyone from age six upwards, with no maximum age limit,” he said.
Badmus added that the organisation plans to ensure that all local governments and wards across Nigeria benefit from the programme.
“We launched in Ikeja recently for Lagos because Lagos is strategic for Nigeria. Now we are taking the initiative to all the local governments in Lagos before moving to other states and the FCT,” he explained.
“Digital literacy is no longer optional—it is the gateway to innovation, entrepreneurship and opportunity. We therefore call on governments, institutions, private sector leaders and Nigerian youths themselves to take decisive action by joining SparkHubs (www.thesparkhubs.org) for free, powered by Global Clusters, to acquire the digital skills needed to build a smarter and more prosperous future.”
Nigeria stands at the threshold of a digital future, and its youths must rise to seize the opportunity. With over 63 percent of the country’s population under the age of 25 and youth unemployment estimated at over 53 percent, experts say the need for digital skills development has never been more urgent.
Delivering the keynote address, Pastor Gbenga Oyebode emphasised that digital literacy remains a key driver for participation in the global digital economy. He urged community leaders and stakeholders across Surulere to actively support the initiative and encourage youths to participate.
The event attracted dignitaries, government officials, religious leaders, and other stakeholders within Surulere Local Government Area.
It also featured a panel discussion with speakers including Mrs. Olakiitan Olaleye and Ahmed Oluwatosin, Head of Technology at Olisa Agbakoba Legal, among others.
The session was moderated by communications expert, Comrade Israel Bolaji.
