IGAD Commissions Ijesha Digital Hub to Boost Skills Acquisition

Emma Okonji

Ijesha Global Alliance for Development (IGAD), a coalition that has presence in North America, Europe and Nigeria, has commissioned the Ijesha Digital Hub and inducted its first cohort of 107 trainees in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and UI/UX Design. 

Vice President, IGAD, and one of the visionaries behind IGAD, Dr. Adewale Alonge, in his welcome address, noted that Nigeria with the largest youth population in the world, with a median age of 18.1 years, faces either a demographic ticking time-bomb or a demographic economic windfall depending on the choice the country makes as it relates to investment in youth human capital development.

Alonge further said, “We are not just training for technical proficiency; we are exemplifying entrepreneurship and soft skills. The hub will be a stimulator for innovation, with a focus on real-world applications.”

Chairman of Ijesha Global Alliance for Development, Abimbola Olashore, while conveying his gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the establishment of the hub, said: “Today’s ceremony is just the beginning. I want to thank all IGAD members and the Executive Board for their contributions. The hub is set to transform our workforce, fostering economic growth and sustainability.”

Founder of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), Dr. Ayoola, delivered the keynote speech on Mindset Shift for Digital Success.

According to Ayoola, “If we do not achieve a mind shift, we will struggle in the midst of plenty. We have the human resources, but without the right mindset, we may not fully utilise the potential within us. The youth must define success on their terms and focus on integrity, not just jobs.”