Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan
A member of the House of Representatives, Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide (popularly known as Odidiomo), has empowered over 200 young people with digital skills, declaring a bold vision to position Oyo State as a leading technology hub in Africa.
The digital literacy training and empowerment programme was held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Conference Hall, and facilitated in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency.
Speaking at the event, Odidiomo expressed gratitude to Almighty God and acknowledged the support of community leaders led by Alhaji Tajudeen Adeleke, as well as the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, whose agency partnered in delivering the initiative.
He described the programme as more than just a training exercise, noting that it marks “the beginning of a new journey” for over 210 beneficiaries trained in digital literacy.
“The future of Nigeria depends on our young people. What we are doing here is giving them the foundational skills they need to compete in a rapidly evolving digital world,” he said.
Odidiomo explained that the training serves as a stepping stone to more advanced programmes in areas such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, stressing that a solid digital foundation is critical for innovation and economic growth.
Drawing inspiration from India’s technological transformation, he said Oyo State has the potential to replicate such success.
“We can make Oyo State a hub for technology in West Africa and across the continent. With commitment and the right investment in our youth, this vision is achievable,” he added.
The lawmaker further revealed that 150 additional participants will commence training in the coming week, bringing the total number of beneficiaries in the current phase to about 360. He disclosed plans to implement up to 10 phases of the programme before the end of the year.
As part of the empowerment package, each participant received financial support ranging between ₦30,000 and ₦50,000 to aid their post-training development.
In his advice to beneficiaries, Odidiomo urged them to remain committed to learning and to make productive use of the digital tools at their disposal.
Also speaking, a NITDA representative and facilitator, Mr. Faruq, described the programme as a 10-day intensive training that combined virtual and physical sessions.
According to him, participants were equipped with practical knowledge on digital tools, online platforms, cybersecurity, and business visibility, including how to create a Google My Business profile.
He encouraged the trainees to take full advantage of digital opportunities to enhance their education, businesses, and career prospects.
The initiative is widely seen as part of ongoing efforts to bridge the digital skills gap and promote youth empowerment in Oyo State.
