Somolu LG Trains 222 Youths On ICT

 

By Oluwatope Lawanson

The Somolu Local Government Area (LGA) says 222 youths from the area have been trained with cutting-edge Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills to bridge the digital divide.

Mr Abdulahmed Salawu, Chairman of Somolu LGA, made this known at a news conference on Wednesday, while unveiling series of initiatives under the Somolu Tech Initiative tagged “SoTech”.

He said that 296 youths registered for the programme but only 222 actively participated.

The chairman, who was represented by his Vice, Mr Ekiyemi Adekunle, explained that the inspiration behind the initiative came from Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES PLUS AGENDA.

He noted that the initiative was aimed at harnessing the power of ICT to foster sustainable development and innovation.

The LG boss said that his administration aimed to create digital literacy programmes for youths and adults, through SoTech.

“We wish to establish community networks and digital hubs. We will support local startups and entrepreneurs in the tech sector.

“We will also enhance online presence and engage with citizens.

“The cornerstone of SoTech’s strategy revolves around four principles which includes; leadership, partnership, scholarship and mentorship.

“These principles guide the development of digital literacy programmes. It supports local startups and the establishment of community tech hubs,” Salawu said.

On his part, Mr Kola Mohammed, Special Adviser to the Chairman on ICT, said that there was need for concerted effort to prepare the youths for a future, driven by digital innovation.

According to him, this ensures that they are well-positioned and benefit from the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Mohammed highlighted some of the key tech programmes already launched by the Salawu administration.

He said the programmes included GoTech, SkillShop and TechSpark.

He noted that the programmes would help to bridge the digital divide and empower Somolu youths with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.

He explained that GoTech was a three-day workshop held in Nov. 2022 with 63 youths in attendance.

“The workshop focused on UI/UX Design, Web Development and Digital Marketing.

“SkillShop programme took place in Feb. 2024. It was a week-long training session which offered advanced skills in UI/UX Design and Front-End Web Development to 76 participants.

“Similarly, TechSpark was a three-week bootcamp in Aug. 2024 . It covered a range of topics including Coding, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Etiquette for 83 kids and teens,” he said.

Mohammed disclosed that SoTech was set to roll out a groundbreaking initiative, which would offer 40 outstanding youths advanced free scholarships in areas like User Experience Design and Front-End Web Development.

He stated that the initiative was a collaboration with Tech Shepherd.

He said that the first 20 beneficiaries of the initiative would be announced, while the remaining 20 would follow before the end of the year.

“Beneficiaries will be given laptops and other work tools to ease their work and to bring out the best in them,” Mohammed said.

One of the beneficiaries of the GoTech programme, Mr Yusuf Shakirudeen, commended the ICT initiative and expressed pleasure for the opportunity given to the youths of the community to learn.

“Through the GoTech workshop, l had the opportunity to learn about UI/UX web design. l am now a Product Designer and I work with a foreign company remotely

He, therefore, commended the LGA chairman and the special adviser on ICT on their efforts.

Shakirudeen, however, advised the youths to remain focused and always key into great opportunities to better themselves.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that certificate was presented to TechSpark boot camp participants. 

Source:NAN