Sen. Lola Ashiru, representing Kwara Senatorial District, has facilitated the training and empowerment of 200 youths with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills and laptops.
Mr Yinusa Alabi, Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, said the initiative was part of Ashiru’s ongoing empowerment programmes for constituents across the seven local government areas in the district.
Alabi, who spoke on the sidelines of the programme on Thursday in Ilorin, said the training was the fourth 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 who came from outside Ilorin and Offa.
“This programme was 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,” he said.
According to him, the training focused 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 opportunities in ICT and how they can use it to promote their businesses and services,” he said.
Alabi said the programme was inclusive, adding that beneficiaries were not selected based on political affiliation.
According to him, some of the beneficiaries were from outside the senatorial district and had applied online.
“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 further 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.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Balogun Ayodeji, a graduate of Computer Science from Federal Polytechnic, Offa, said the empowerment would go a long way in boosting his business.
He commended the lawmaker for the gesture and prayed for greater opportunities for him to do more for youths.
Ayodeji added that the training had enhanced his confidence and improved his knowledge of digital skills, including web development, digital literacy and cybersecurity.
