The First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has made a call to governments and leaders nationwide to invest in ICT training for youths to tackle unemployment, crime and drug abuse during the second ICT training and laptop presentation ceremony organised by Bariga Local Council Development Area in Lagos, on Friday, 14th August.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu who was represented by her special assistant, Abimbola Odumbaku, stated that targeted ICT empowerment programmes could be good investment of youthful energy into productive ventures while discouraging Iill social behaviour.
She added that the initiative aligned with the Lagos State government’s vision of equipping young people to participate effectively in a modern knowledge-driven economy, stating that it would create opportunities, helping Nigerian youths become economically independent and competitive on global scale.
She commended Bariga LCDA Chairman, Omope Adedeji, for the opportunity provided to the youths and encouraged the benefitciaries to it the laptops to good use.
“Let them become instruments for learning, innovation, entrepreneurship and personal development. Use them to create opportunities for yourselves and others,” She said.
She urged beneficiaries to become creators, innovators and problem-solvers. The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity and build sustainable careers through digital skills.
“We are in a digital era, and you have been given not only the training but also a tool to compete on a global scale.” She said.
According to her, 50 beneficiaries were selected from the LCDA’s eight wards and trained in relevant digital competencies.
Oluwatimilehin Rabiu, on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the council chairman,, while looking forward to putting his newly acquired skills to good use