2,475 Oyo unemployed youth trained on digital skills

By Oluseye Ojo

At least, 2,475 youth across Oyo State have so far been trained in digital skills under an ongoing empowerment initiative driven by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, Dhikrullahi Adedeji Olajide.

The lawmaker disclosed this at the grand finale of a 10-day digital empowerment programme held in Ibadan, where over 200 unemployed youth were trained in digital marketing, cybersecurity basics, remote work and technology-enabled entrepreneurship.

The latest batch of beneficiaries also received laptops and financial support to enable them to transition from training to income generation.

The programme, implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), exposed participants to artificial intelligence, responsible digital engagement and online business development, equipping them for opportunities within and beyond Nigeria.

Olajide, a governorship hopeful for the 2027 elections in Oyo State, said the training forms part of a broader intervention aimed at building a pipeline of digitally skilled youth capable of contributing to economic growth and innovation.

“This is not just a training programme; it is an investment in human capital development and economic resilience. The future of Nigeria’s economy lies in the ability of our youth to create value through technology,” he said.

He added that the initiative is being sustained through five digital training hubs established in Ibadan to ensure continuous learning and skill development.

The lawmaker also revealed that the Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill he sponsored has reached an advanced legislative stage and is expected to undergo public hearing soo.

He described it as a framework to strengthen digital infrastructure and attract investment into the sector.

According to him, the digital economy presents significant opportunities for job creation and revenue diversification, particularly as global demand for tech-enabled services continues to expand.

A representative of NITDA, Mr. Eedris Faruk, said enhancing digital capacity among young people would boost employability, entrepreneurship and income generation, especially within the growing remote work ecosystem.

He noted that participants were trained in digital literacy, artificial intelligence and online business development to enable them compete effectively in a technology-driven world.