Edo, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation train over 500 youths on digital skills for future workplace

The Edo State Government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have concluded a one-day intensive digital skills training for over 500 youths in the State to build their skills for the future workforce.

The programme tagged, ‘Digi Link’ and held at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Main Campus, in Benin City, is executed 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 will prepare the youths for the future world of work, fostering entrepreneurial skills and inspiring enthusiasm about their future paths.

According to her, 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 development of the State and country.”

On his part, the Program 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.

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L-R: Programme Officer, Digi-Link, Kema Ufelle; Chief Executive Officer, Herconomy, Ife Durosinmi-Ehi; State Focal Person, Edo State Social Investment Programme, Osayuwamen Aladeselu; Assistant Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Benin, Prof (Mrs.) Veronica Osubor and Programme Director, DigiLink, Ekenem Isichel, during a one-day intensive digital skills training for over 500 youths in the State, held at the UNIBEN main campus in Benin City, on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.