National News – The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with lawmaker Stanley Olajide, has trained 210 youths in digital skills in Oyo State, aiming to tackle unemployment and bridge the digital divide.

The programme, held in Ibadan on Friday, was implemented with support from the National Information Technology Development Agency.

The initiative focused on digital marketing, cybersecurity basics, remote work, and tech entrepreneurship.

Beneficiaries also received laptops and startup funding ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000 to kickstart ventures.

According to organisers, an additional 150 participants will join in the next phase, with plans to scale up to 10 phases before year-end.

Olajide explained that the training reflects a broader strategy to position Ibadan as a leading technology hub in South-West Nigeria.

He argued that equipping youths with practical tech skills is essential for integrating Nigeria into global digital economies, including emerging fields like artificial intelligence and blockchain.

From a policy perspective, this intervention aligns with ongoing national conversations about youth unemployment and economic diversification.

Nigeria’s labour market continues to struggle with absorbing its growing youth population, making digital skills programmes increasingly critical.

However, analysts note that sustainability will depend on long-term mentorship, access to markets, and stable internet infrastructure.

Local reactions have been largely positive. Some participants described the programme as a “rare opportunity” to gain both training and financial support.

Others, however, raised concerns about scalability, questioning whether similar initiatives would reach rural communities where digital access remains limited.

The programme also highlights a growing trend of constituency-level interventions complementing federal policies.

While such efforts can deliver immediate impact, experts caution that they must be integrated into a broader national framework to avoid fragmentation.

Ultimately, the success of this initiative will be measured not just by the number trained, but by how many beneficiaries transition into sustainable digital careers—an outcome that could redefine Ibadan’s economic landscape if effectively sustained.