BREAKING: Edo, Gates Foundation train 500 youths in digital skills for workplace

The Edo State Government in conjunction with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have trained 500 youths in the state to build their skills for the future workplace.

The one-day programme tagged, ‘Digi Link’ which took place at the University of Benin, was organised in partnership with ACIOE Associates and Public Digital to help the state government improve its digital capabilities.

Speaking to journalists at the one-day workshop, the Focal Person, Edo State Social Investment Programme, Ms Osayueamem Aladeselu, said the programme would prepare the youths for the future world of work, fostering entrepreneurial skills and inspiring enthusiasm about their future paths.

She said the programme aims to create a digitally empowered citizenry for the State, expand learning opportunities and bridge the academia-industry gap, and establish a talent pipeline for the public sector and digital ecosystem, in line with the visions of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

She noted, “We want to ensure that young persons begin to take their place in the digital transformation process, acquiring the right skills needed to succeed in the future workplace. The training today targeting over 500 youths in the University Community in no small means has contributed to enhancing their employability, academic performance, earning potential and productivity, and fostering responsible digital citizenship.”

“It also provided a fine platform for conversations around leveraging innovation and technology to proffer solutions to societal problems, tapping into the various opportunities provided by the state government to expand its digital space, including the Edo Innovation Hub, and how they can participate and take advantage of training as such facilities to improve their skills and contribute their quota to the development of the State and country.”

On his part, the Programme Director, Digi Link, Mr Ekenem Isichei, said the Learning Series for the university students will go round every university in Edo State, to prepare the students for a digital future and create a pipeline of talents to grow the digital landscape of Edo State.

The programme also featured a panel session, themed, “Digital Transformation: Unlocking Opportunities for Career Growth,” with Chioma Obiokolo, Head, Technology, Products & Consulting, Viisaus; Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti, CEO/Founder, Herconomy; Mr. Donatus Igiekhume, Head of Unit, Citizen Service and Content Management, EDSG, and Precious Ekome, Faculty Lead, Innovation Hub, as panelists.