Leveraging the digital economy for youth empowerment

As part of efforts to boost economic opportunities for youths through the digital space, Lola Ashiru, deputy Senate Leader, has empowered several individuals across the seven local government areas of his constituency.

Ashiru, who represents Kwara South Senatorial District, has continued to invest in youth development through training programmes and the provision of digital tools.

Recently, he sponsored the training of 60 youths in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and distributed personal computer systems to 200 beneficiaries drawn from different political affiliations across Kwara State.

Speaking on behalf of the senator in Offa, Yunus Alabi, his Senior Legislative Aide, explained that the initiative forms part of Ashiru’s ongoing empowerment programmes for constituents across the district.

He noted that participants were drawn from diverse professions, including students, artisans, fashion designers, traders and other small business owners, adding that the training was the fifth of its kind since the senator assumed office.

“This empowerment programme is designed to expose youths and professionals to the effective use of technology for personal and business advancement,” Alabi said.

He added that the programme was inclusive, cutting across political divides and even extending beyond the senatorial district, as some beneficiaries were selected through an online application process.

According to him, the training focused on equipping participants with relevant digital skills to enable them leverage technology to grow their businesses, improve productivity and expand their reach.

“The world is increasingly driven by technology. This programme aims to expose our youths to opportunities in ICT and how they can utilise digital platforms to promote their goods and services,” he said.

Alabi further disclosed that, in addition to the training and distribution of laptops, beneficiaries were provided with transport allowances to ease their return to their respective destinations.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would enhance socio-economic development in the district by improving digital literacy, strengthening business management skills and promoting accountability among small-scale entrepreneurs.

He also assured that similar programmes would be organised in the coming months to reach more constituents.

Alabi, added that the training also featured practical sessions where participants were taught how to create and manage online platforms to promote their trades and services, even as instructors guided them on how to use digital tools for advertising, enabling them to reach wider audiences with ease.

The initiative he said is expected to empower youths, particularly those from trading backgrounds, to leverage technology in showcasing their products and services, thereby contributing meaningfully to economic growth.

Olamide Yusuf, one of the beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude to the senator as the laptop solves his problems of going to cafe to source information on internet.

“May God continue to uplift senator Lola Ashiru for solving a problem in my life,” he said.