Seventy youths have graduated from the YMO AI and Digital Skills Training Hub after completing a six-week programme held as part of the 2026 Edi Moremi Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday by the Senior Media Officer at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare.

The two-day festival held on Saturday and Sunday was organised with the support of the Ooni of Ife and championed by a former Ogun State first lady, Olufunso Amosun.

A major highlight of the festival was the graduation of 70 youths from the YMO AI and Digital Skills Training Hub, out of approximately 150 participants who initially enrolled in the six-week programme. The graduates qualified after meeting the instructors’ requirements for attendance, commitment and performance.

Mrs Amosun said the initiative was designed to “liberate the upcoming generation” by equipping young people with digital skills and artificial intelligence to improve their employment and entrepreneurship.

The event also featured a medical outreach organised by Yeye Moremi Oodua in collaboration with the Eye Foundation, which benefited over 220 people.

Beneficiaries received free eye examinations and screenings, and some were provided with prescription glasses and glaucoma surgery at no cost.

Ms Amosun also provided financial grants to women in Ile-Ife to support their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

The annual Queen Moremi Ajasoro Beauty Pageant also featured at the event. The Queen of Ile-Ife, Aderonke Ogunwusi, said the initiative was designed to give the celebration of Queen Moremi a broader social impact beyond cultural remembrance by translating her values into practical programmes that benefit society.

She expressed appreciation to the Ooni for providing the royal platform and support for activities promoting the legacy of Queen Moremi Ajasoro. She also commended Yeye Moremi Oodua for her consistent commitment to the initiative.

Ms Ogunwusi urged the graduating trainees to put their newly acquired digital skills to productive use, noting that technology had become a major driver of employment, innovation and economic development.

She noted that some beneficiaries had already secured employment after participating in the programme, including some who were personally employed by her.

The festival also featured traditional Edi Moremi activities and a torchlight procession as part of the celebrations honouring the legacy of Queen Moremi Ajasoro.