Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said that his administration is prioritizing youth development for young people to become active contributors to the development and progress of the state.
He said programs and policies of the government is being backed with action to enhanced the development and empowerment of Ekiti youths .
He spoke yesterday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital at the launch of Digital Accelerated Programme (EDAP) to train 1000 Ekiti youths in Information and Communication Technology powered by the Ministry of Youth Development In Collaboration with Motivar.
The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Niyi Adebayo said this underscores organising the ICT program, designed to train young ones between the ages of 15 to 20 on basic computing skills and for them to be computer
literate.
He said, “This is not just of requiring them to make contribution, it start with us working with them to be in a position where that contribution can be made.
“We are putting action behind our words to make designed programs that will help our young ones to not only feel included but to actually actively participate in the Ekiti project so that together, we can take Ekiti to greater heights”.
Adebayo who stated that his principal is solidly behind programs that are targeted at helping the youths to develop said, “This program actually addresses two components of one of key pillars of the six pillars agenda of the governor towards share prosperity in Ekiti state which is youth development and job creation.
“To develop the young ones and give skills that they can sell and make them marketable, employable, make them useful to themselves and earn livelihood”.
On what the state government is doing to enhance access to digital literacy, he said, “We working to improve on the provision of power because computer needs electricity to work, We also need to create centers where the young ones can learn , infuse a lot technology into our school curriculum, which is being done by the Ministry of Education.
“A digital center was commissioned last month at the Government College, in Ado Ekiti, and that is a test case for what is to come , smart classrooms were also built by some Ekiti indigene”.
In his speech, the state Commissioner for Youth Department, Mr Adesola Gold Adedayo, said the move marks a significant milestone in collective quest to prepare the youth for the challenges and opportunities of a digital future.
He said governor Oyebanji-led administration has not only prioritized youth development in policy but has translated those policies into tangible programmes that continue to change lives and create lasting impact.
“Ekiti youth are being given a platform to rise, to shine, and to dream. The environment in Ekiti today is one where talent is nurtured, innovation is encouraged, and hard work is rewarded.
“This Digital Acceleration Programme is a product of that enabling environment, a product of His Excellency’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy, where no young person is left behind.
“Through this programme, 1,000 youth across the state will receive training in critical digital skills such as software development, data analytics, digital marketing, and other in-demand ICT tools.But this initiative is not just about learning how to use computers, it is about building capacity, unlocking potential, and creating access to the global digital economy.
“It is about equipping our young people to become tech entrepreneurs, remote workers, digital consultants, and solution providers, both within and beyond Nigeria
While advising the participants, he said, “This is more than a training , it is a calling. A calling to excellence, to global relevance, and to purpose. Embrace the opportunity, push yourselves beyond limits, and take ownership of your future. The skills you gain here can change your lives, and in turn, change our state and our nation”.
He added that the Ministry of Youth Development remain committed to delivering on its mandate to create sustainable platforms for youth empowerment, participation, and productivity.
“Let us all the government, private sector, civil society, and communities join hands to ensure that every youth has access to the tools, training, and opportunities they need to thrive”.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Motivar, Mayowa Akinleye who lamented youth lack of access to digital literacy in Africa , commended Ekiti state government for initiating the program.
He said,”This is a problem because the the world is now global, and talents growing you can live any and have values for your skills .The ability to do so is enabled by education and in this case digital education”.
Present at the event , the commissioner of education, Dr. kofoworola Aderiye who was represented, Technical Advisor to the governor on Youth Inclusion, Mr Ayo Ojo, youth and students bodies leaders among others.