OGUN GOVT HARPS ON IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL LEARNING

  OGUN GOVT HARPS ON IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL LEARNING

The Ogun State Government has emphasised on the need for integrating Information Communication Technology (ICT) into job creation, to serve as an empowerment tool that can make youths economically-relevant and better productive.

Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, who made this call in Abeokuta at the commissioning of a skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development center provided by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in collaboration with a private firm, New Horizon for corps members in the State, maintained that the present administration prioritises ICT development, saying it had set up the Ogun Jobs Portal with over 150,000 applicants on the platform within the first 100 days in office.

The State’s Scribe added that the Ogun TechHub initiative had further integrated more youths to provide ideal conditions for entrepreneurs to collaborate and accelerate the growth of their businesses, as well as discover new ICT savvy individuals, noting that government recently launched the Ogun Digital Economy Infrastructure Project (OGDEIP) to create digital inclusion and provide tools that would empower youths across the State.

Talabi who applauded the collaborative effort, noted that the facility would assist in complex programming, among other technological innovations that could create more jobs for the youth, particularly corps members in the State.

"I wish to commend NYSC in Ogun State and New Horizon for supporting the State government in its determination to make ICT a top priority in our economic development agenda. With this center, no fewer than 500 youths will benefit from this gesture", the SSG assured.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Oluwadare Kehinde said establishment of the center was in tandem with the policy of the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration's commitment to youth engagement, empowerment and employment towards addressing unemployment. 

Speaking earlier, the State Director of NYSC, Dr. (Mrs.) Belinda Faniyi appreciated the State government for supporting all the programmes of the Corps, reassuring that the center would be put in good use for the betterment of the Corp members.

          Also speaking, the Managing Director of New Horizon, Mr. Timothy Olakayode said the organisation was committed to youth development, particularly in the area of technological innovations, calling for more technical support from relevant stakeholders in achieving a desired result of creating requisite job opportunities.