A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adedeji Olajide, has urged Nigerians to embrace digital skills as a pathway to future success, stressing that such competencies are essential to reducing unemployment and preparing young people for a technology-driven economy.
Speaking on Friday in Ibadan at the conclusion of a 10-day digital training programme he organised for approximately 200 unemployed youths from Ibadan North-West/South-West, Olajide said the initiative was designed to equip participants with practical skills required to compete and thrive in today’s digital landscape.
The training, conducted in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), forms part of his constituency development efforts aimed at fostering a future-ready society. Olajide explained that the programme combined hands-on instruction with targeted interventions to address youth unemployment, with each participant receiving a laptop and financial support to begin their journey in the digital economy.
He emphasised that the future belongs to individuals who can think critically, work efficiently, and solve problems using digital tools, technology, and data. According to him, the programme extended beyond theoretical instruction, exposing participants to practical applications such as digital marketing, remote work, and technology-driven entrepreneurship.
“The laptops and financial support provided are not merely tools, but a call to action for participants to create, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the economy,” he said.
The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, added that the initiative represents a deliberate strategy to empower young people with relevant, future-oriented skills.
He further disclosed that he had supported the establishment of five digital training hubs and facilitated scholarship opportunities for students at both secondary and tertiary levels within his constituency.
Olajide also revealed that the Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill he sponsored has reached an advanced legislative stage. He noted that a public hearing would be held shortly and encouraged stakeholders within the technology sector to contribute ideas and recommendations towards building a robust legal framework for Nigeria’s digital future.
Also speaking, a representative of NITDA, Mr. Idris Farouk, said the programme was designed to deliver practical, hands-on digital skills. He explained that participants were introduced to technology platforms capable of supporting both educational advancement and career development.
“Beyond learning, the training is intended to enhance participants’ capacity to establish businesses and expand access to employment opportunities,” Farouk said.
He added that the sessions progressed from basic digital literacy to more advanced applications, encouraging participants to make deliberate and sustained use of digital tools.
“Leveraging these tools can significantly improve their lives and open up new opportunities for the future,” he added.
