LASG Extols Odu’a Foundation’s Digital Education Project for Youth Empowerment
Gilbert Ekugbe
The Lagos State Government has commended the Odu’a Investment Foundation’s Digital Education for Innovation and Economic Development (DEFINED) project, aimed at advancing digital education and inclusive innovation in the Southwest region of the country.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the launch of DEFINED in Lagos, said the initiative carries the promise of brighter futures for Nigerian youths, which he said are the pillars of Nigeria’s progress.
“Our rapidly evolving digital landscape, where access to knowledge and IT skills is paramount, needs a decisive response and I am happy that this project has emerged as a beacon of hope and opportunity, which stands as a testament to the collective determination of the foundation to create a more inclusive and innovative society,” he said.
He added that education is the cornerstone of progress, and digital education, stressing that it is the key that unlocks countless doors of opportunity.
He assured that the state government is committed to utilising education and technology to transform Lagos state into a smart city.
“We are intentional in our policies and we are designing interventions that will improve the business environment, reform critical government systems and institutions as well as unlock new levels of innovative thinking especially in our youth,” he added.
According to him, one of the key highlights of the launch of DEFINED is the launch of the Byte Busters Coding Club, noting that the club, specially designed to empower youths with essential digital skills, represents a crucial investment in the future.
Also speaking, the Governor, Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, said the world is rapidly evolving, and so are the skills required for success in the 21st Century, maintaining that technology has become an integral part of human daily lives and businesses across the globe.
He stated that digital technologies have also enabled sharing economy, where individuals can monetise their assets and skills through platforms like Airbnb and Uber, pointing out that is has created new income streams and entrepreneurship opportunities, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
On his part, the Chairman, Odu’a Investment Foundation, Ambassador Olatokunbo Dosumu, said DEFINED is another significant digital step towards having a smart, globally competitive youth population, adding that the youth are the drivers of development all over the world.
“A well-trained and properly kitted youth population will not only birth an economically viable society but will also engender the safety of all. As the Foundation grows, we pray that we are able to harness the talents and enthusiasm of all well-meaning members of the South West towards accomplishing the best from this developmental initiative, “she said.
The Group Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, said the project is an ambitious campaign,that would take digital education and opportunities to all the 137 local governments areas in southwest states of Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Lagos.
He said according to the Brookings Institute “We are living in what has been aptly termed the digital era, a time of rapid technological change led by digital technologies. The new technologies are reshaping economies and societies.”
He said the youth are at the forefront of the adoption of digital technology, and have the highest potential to benefit from what has become an increasingly evolving, and fast paced digital world.
