FG, Oyo lawmaker empower 210 youths with digital skills, laptops

The Federal Government, in collaboration with a member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, Stanley Olajide, has trained about 210 youths in Oyo State on digital skills and provided them with starter support.

 

The programme, held on Friday at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, Iyaganku, Ibadan, was organised in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

 

Beneficiaries were trained in digital marketing, cybersecurity basics, remote work, and technology-driven entrepreneurship as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment and bridge the digital divide.

 

Olajide, who chairs the House Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, said the initiative was designed to equip young people with practical skills for the evolving global digital economy.

 

“Technology is not just a field for me; it is a passion. A key priority is how we can empower our youth by equipping them with the skills they need to succeed,” he said.

 

He added that the programme is being expanded in phases, with additional cohorts already planned.

 

“Beyond training, participants received financial support ranging between N30,000 and N50,000 to help them launch digital ventures,” he said, noting that cash payments were made to ensure transparency and avoid delays associated with electronic transfers.

 

Olajide disclosed that about 150 additional youths are expected to benefit in the next phase, bringing the total to around 360 participants, with plans for up to 10 phases before the end of the year.

 

He said the long-term goal is to build tech hubs and position Ibadan as a leading innovation centre in West Africa, drawing inspiration from global models such as India’s technology ecosystem.

 

A representative of NITDA, Eedris Faruk, said participants were trained in digital literacy, artificial intelligence fundamentals, responsible online platform use, and business setup skills to promote entrepreneurship and job creation.