Sen. Lola Ashiru, the Deputy Senate Leader, has trained and empowered no fewer than 200 youths with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills and laptops in his constituency, Kwara Central Senatorial District.
Mr Yinusa Alabi, Senior Legislative Aide to Ashiru, said the initiative was part of the senator’s ongoing empowerment programmes for constituents across the seven local government areas in the district.
Alabi, who spoke during the programme on Thursday, said the training was the fourth or fifth in the series since the senator assumed office.
He explained that the initiative, which coincided with the Ramadan period, also provided accommodation, Sahur and Iftar meals for participants, especially those from outside Ilorin and Offa.
“This programme is designed to empower the generality of our people, particularly the youths, who constitute a higher percentage of the beneficiaries.
“Participants cut across various professions, including students, artisans and small business owners such as fashion designers and traders,” Alabi said.
According to him, the training focuses on equipping participants with digital skills to enable them leverage technology to grow their businesses and improve productivity.
“The world is increasingly driven by technology. This programme is aimed at exposing our youths to the opportunities in ICT and how they can use it to promote their businesses and services,” Alabi said.
He said that the programme was inclusive, adding that beneficiaries were selected beyond political affiliations, including those who applied online from outside the senatorial district.
Alabi added that religious leaders and community stakeholders were also considered, to enable them utilise digital tools in their activities.
“Some clerics and community leaders were included so they can apply these digital tools in their work, such as preparing sermons and managing information,” he said.
The aide disclosed that, in addition to the training and provision of laptops, beneficiaries were given transport allowances to ease their return to their respective destinations.
Alabi expressed optimism that the initiative would boost socio-economic development in the district by enhancing digital literacy, improving business management and promoting accountability among small-scale entrepreneurs.
He added that similar programmes would be organised in the coming months to reach more constituents.
A graduate of Computer Science from Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Mr Balogun Ayodeji, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, said the empowerment would go a long way in boosting his business.
Ayodeji commended Sen. Ashiru for the gesture and prayed for greater opportunities for the lawmaker to enable him to do more for youths.
He added that the training had enhanced his confidence and improved his knowledge in digital skills, including web development, digital literacy and cybersecurity.
