In a time when many young Nigerians are searching for opportunity, 210 youths in Ibadan have been given something powerful — digital skills, tools, and a real chance to earn in today’s economy.
Through a NITDA-supported Digital Literacy Training and Empowerment Programme, facilitated by Hon. Adedeji Dhikrulahi Stanley Olajide (Odidi-Omo), participants are being equipped to move beyond unemployment and into the world of digital work.
Youth unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges across Nigeria. But beyond job scarcity, there is also a growing gap in digital skills — the very skills now required to compete globally.
This initiative directly addresses that gap by:
- Equipping youths with relevant digital knowledge
- Opening access to remote work opportunities
- Supporting digital entrepreneurship at the grassroots
Rather than a one-off training, the programme was carefully designed for real impact.
Phase 1: Online Foundation (April 13–17, 2026)
Participants were introduced to:
- Basic computer literacy
- Internet safety and navigation
- Productivity tools
- Introduction to remote work platforms
Phase 2: Physical Training (April 20–24, 2026)
Hands-on sessions took place across three centres in Ibadan, with:
- 70 participants per centre
- Practical exercises and guided mentorship
- Real-life application of skills learned
This ensured participants didn’t just learn — they practiced and built confidence.
What sets this programme apart is the support given to participants.
Each beneficiary received:
- A laptop to continue learning and working
- A stipend/support to ease participation
- A pathway into freelancing, digital marketing, and online work
This transforms the programme from training into a launchpad for income generation.
The initiative aligns with NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4All) framework — a national effort to equip Nigerians with the skills needed in a digital economy.
By facilitating access to this programme, Hon. Olajide is helping bridge the gap between federal opportunities and local communities, ensuring that Ibadan youths are not left behind.
As the world continues to evolve, digital skills are becoming the foundation of modern work.
For these 210 participants, this programme represents:
- A shift from uncertainty to opportunity
- A chance to compete beyond local limitations
- A new pathway into sustainable income
This is more than a training programme.
It reflects a broader approach to development — one that prioritizes:
- Skills over slogans
- Opportunity over promises
- Long-term impact over short-term visibility
As a leading voice in conversations around the future of Oyo State, Hon. Olajide continues to demonstrate a governance approach rooted in youth empowerment, innovation, and inclusive growth.
His alignment with the development trajectory established under the administration of Seyi Makinde reflects a commitment to sustaining and expanding initiatives that place young people at the centre of Oyo’s progress.
With growing interest in the 2027 governorship race, interventions like this offer a glimpse into a leadership style focused not just on vision, but on practical delivery and measurable impact.
When young people are given the right tools, they don’t just improve their lives — they strengthen the future of their communities.
For the youths in Ibadan who benefited from this initiative, the journey into the digital economy has just begun.
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