A new phase of youth empowerment in Oyo State has seen 210 young men and women graduate with digital skills and startup tools, following a joint initiative by the Federal Government and a federal lawmaker.
The training, held on Friday at Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Secretariat, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, focused on digital marketing, cybersecurity fundamentals, remote work, and tech-enabled entrepreneurship.
The programme was facilitated by Mr. Stanley Olajide, who represents Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Olajide, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, popularly known as Odidiomo, said the initiative aims to tackle youth unemployment and bridge the digital divide by equipping participants with both practical skills and seed capital.
“Regarding this programme, we have about 210 beneficiaries participating today, with an additional 150 set to begin next week. This will bring the total to approximately 360 participants in this phase. We plan to run up to ten phases before the end of the year; this is the second phase, following an earlier one held late last year,” he said.
Each participant received between ₦30,000 and ₦50,000 in cash to kick-start digital ventures, alongside laptops to enable immediate application of their training. Olajide explained that the decision to disburse funds in cash was intended to ensure transparency and eliminate transfer delays.
“Each participant is receiving financial support, between ₦30,000 and ₦50,000, to help them get started. I made it a point that these funds be given in cash to avoid any issue related to network failures or delays in transfers, ensuring transparency and that everyone receives what they are entitled to,” he added.
The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, described the programme as a foundation for deeper integration into global technology fields, including artificial intelligence and blockchain.
“A key priority is how we can empower our youth, both men and women, by equipping them with the skills they need to succeed. This is central to everything I do, because the future of Nigeria depends on them,” he said.
Olajide added that his long-term goal is to establish tech and innovation hubs that position Ibadan as the technology capital of the South-West, drawing parallels with India’s transformation of Bangalore into a global technology hub.
“I often reflect on how countries like India addressed youth unemployment by investing in technology training, eventually transforming cities like Bangalore into global tech hubs. In the same way, we can position Ibadan and the state as leading technology hubs in West Africa and beyond,” he said.
He emphasised that the training marks only the beginning of a broader plan to prepare youths for emerging technologies.
“We intend to build on it with more advanced opportunities, including areas like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other emerging technologies. However, for these to be effective, there must be a strong foundation, and that is what we are laying now,” Olajide said.
“Our goal is to give participants baseline skills, startup support, and the tools they need to begin their journey. Stay focused, embrace what you have learned with passion, continue to develop your skills, and use the resources provided wisely. The future is in your hands,” he told beneficiaries.
Earlier, NITDA representative Mr. Eedris Faruk said the curriculum covered digital literacy, artificial intelligence, responsible platform use, and online business development to enhance education, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities.
Olajide reiterated his active involvement in ICT and cybersecurity committees, noting that technology is more than a policy area for him.
“I serve as a representative and remain actively engaged in committees related to ICT, cybersecurity, and other areas of technology. Technology is not just a field for me; it is a passion,” he said.
