Stakeholders in ICT and Digital Literacy have commended the Chairman, House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide Odidi-Omo, for what they described as a bold and timely intervention in youth empowerment through digital capacity development.
Their reactions followed recent reports that the federal lawmaker partnered with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to train 210 youths in Oyo State in digital skills and also empowered beneficiaries with laptops to support productivity and entrepreneurship. The programme reportedly focused on digital literacy, content creation, online business tools, and employability skills.
According to stakeholders, the initiative reflects visionary leadership and practical representation, especially at a time when technology is becoming central to governance, business, and employment opportunities. They noted that such efforts are helping to position Oyo State as an emerging digital hub in the Southwest.
Several commentators stated that Hon. Olajide’s intervention demonstrates how elected representatives can complement government efforts by directly investing in human capital and bridging unemployment gaps through technology-driven programmes.
“This is the kind of pace-setting leadership the Southwest needs,” one stakeholder said, adding that digital skills remain one of the fastest routes to economic inclusion for young Nigerians.
Others called on more political leaders, public office holders, and private sector actors to emulate the initiative by supporting ICT centres, coding academies, broadband expansion, and startup incubation programmes across the region.
They concluded that with consistent investments in innovation and digital education, Oyo State and the Southwest can strengthen their place in Nigeria’s growing knowledge economy.
