The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Parliamentary Affairs (House of Representatives), Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, has empowered 200 youths, teachers and other residents of Ekiti State with brand-new laptops and cash gifts after a digital skills training programme.
The beneficiaries, comprising 100 youths, 70 teachers and 30 other participants, were trained in data management, computer applications, data privacy, identity theft prevention and other data security techniques.
The empowerment programme, which was held at the Moba Local Government Secretariat, Otun-Ekiti, was designed to equip participants with digital skills needed to remain relevant in the modern workplace.
Speaking at the event, Olarewaju, who represented Ekiti North Federal Constituency I in the 9th National Assembly, said the initiative was aimed at preparing youths, women and teachers for the demands of the 21st-century workplace.
He urged the beneficiaries to see the laptops not merely as gifts but as tools for personal transformation, economic empowerment and self-reliance.
According to him, technology and digital skills would play a major role in the future of Nigeria’s economy, stressing that the time to prepare young people for the emerging digital world was now.
Olarewaju said the initiative was aligned with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu and the youth and women empowerment drive of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.
He said, “The future of Ekiti and Nigeria’s economy at large is in technology and the future is now.”
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Youth Development, Gold Adedayo, who represented Governor Oyebanji at the event, commended Olarewaju for the initiative, describing it as a practical intervention capable of creating lasting opportunities for the beneficiaries.
Adedayo said the governor was pleased with the programme and encouraged the participants to maximise the knowledge and equipment provided to them.
He noted that computer literacy and digital competence had become essential requirements in today’s workplace, urging the beneficiaries to use the opportunity to expand their skills and pursue new opportunities.
Also speaking, the special guest of honour, Alhaji Dauda Lawal (ADL), described the programme as a “pathway to success,” urging the beneficiaries to explore opportunities beyond their immediate environment with the knowledge acquired.
Participants also expressed appreciation for the initiative, with Ayodele Alofe from Ijero saying the training exposed him to new knowledge about data privacy and protection.
Similarly, Mrs. Taiwo Bamigbola from Ekiti West said the training had strengthened her capacity as a teacher while opening her eyes to opportunities available through digital skills.
The initiative underscores Olarewaju’s focus on digital empowerment as a means of equipping young people and professionals with practical tools for self-reliance and participation in the evolving digital economy.
