The wife of Lagos State governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged governments and leaders nationwide to invest in ICT training for youths to tackle unemployment, crime and drug abuse.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu made the call on Friday at the second ICT training and laptop presentation ceremony organised by Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos.

Represented by her special assistant, Abimbola Odumbaku, she said targeted ICT empowerment programmes could channel youthful energy into productive ventures and discourage destructive social behaviour.

She said the initiative aligned with the Lagos State government’s vision of equipping young people to participate effectively in a modern knowledge-driven economy.

She said investments in digital skills development would create opportunities and help young Nigerians become economically independent and globally competitive.

She commended Bariga LCDA Chairman, Omope Adedeji, for empowering youths with knowledge, practical skills and confidence to create value for society.

“The training in artificial intelligence, data analysis and other digital competencies is a valuable investment in the future of these young people,” she said.

Addressing the graduates, Mrs Sanwo-Olu said their certificates reflected acquired knowledge, while the laptops represented tools capable of unlocking future opportunities.

“I encourage you not to allow your laptops to become merely devices for entertainment or social media.

“Let them become instruments for learning, innovation, entrepreneurship and personal development. Use them to create opportunities for yourselves and others,” Mrs Sanwo-Olu said.

She urged beneficiaries to become creators, innovators and problem-solvers rather than mere consumers of technology.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu expressed hope that Bariga would continue producing young people capable of competing globally while contributing positively to their communities.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity and build sustainable careers through digital skills.

“We are in a digital era, and you have been given not only the training but also a tool to compete on a global scale.

“I charge you to use it well. Your future is in your hands. None of these beneficiaries should complain that you don’t have a job,” Mr Ogunlende said.

Earlier, Ms Adedeji said the programme reflected her administration’s commitment to equipping youths with skills needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.

She disclosed that 50 beneficiaries were selected from the LCDA’s eight wards and trained in relevant digital competencies.

Ms Adedeji noted that the laptops were not merely devices but tools for learning, creativity, innovation and economic empowerment.

One beneficiary, Oluwatimilehin Rabiu, thanked the council chairman, saying the training had strengthened his ambition to establish a website development company.

Mr Rabiu said he hoped to help local businesses and start-up companies develop professional websites and expand their digital presence.

Another beneficiary, Ayo Kolawola, said participants received training in artificial intelligence and website development during the five-week programme.

Mr Kolawola said wider ICT empowerment initiatives would help reduce unemployment and improve economic opportunities for Nigerian youths.

The programme formed part of activities marking the first anniversary of Ms Adedeji’s administration and attracted party leaders, traditional rulers and parents. 

(NAN)