An unprecedented wave of excitement permeated the venue of the Oyo Digital Skill Training program held in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state, as participants embarked on their first hands-on sessions in website building without coding.
The 2-day program tagged “Oyo digital revolution,” targeted at equipping 3,000 individual participants with essential digital skills, culminating in an overwhelming enthusiasm from attendees eager to harness the power of technology.
According to the Chairman of Oyo Youth Agency, Prince Adebowale Falana in his welcome address, the Digital Revolution program was part of strategic efforts of the Oyo state government to create employment opportunities and enhance digital literacy for youths in the state.
“This training program is a critical step towards reducing unemployment and promoting innovation among our youths within Oyo state. It includes mentorship opportunities and support for those looking to start their digital businesses after the training program.
“All participants in the program today (Thursday) will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and gain practical experience, which will enhance their employability and provide them with a competitive edge in the business world”. Prince Falana said.
The event, which commenced yesterday October 2, and ended today the 3rd, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, attracted participants between the ages of 18 and 35 years old from various ethnicities and educational backgrounds from across all the geopolitical zones in the state, all eager to enhance their digital skills and knowledge.
The training, organized by the Agency for Youths Development, Oyo State, in collaboration with a leading tech organization in Nigeria–Precision Automation, and Thx22 Foundation, an arm of 22Bet, attracted a diverse group of participants, including students, entrepreneurs, and young professionals seeking to enhance their digital literacy.
Over 3000 individuals joined the program, which focuses on using user-friendly platforms to create functional and visually appealing websites without writing codes.
During the opening session, the Resource Person and Training Instructor, Mr. Emmanuel Odah, demonstrated the simplicity of website creation using popular no-code tools, enabling participants to visualize their ideas in real-time.
Mr Odah also took participants through two different training sessions involving theory and intensive practice. Other areas of the training include digital marketing, and Web publishing, assuring that participants who remain committed to utilizing the acquired skills would have no business searching for white collar jobs again as the tech industry remains a goldmine yet to be properly explored.
Many of the participants who spoke to newsmen expressed disbelief at how accessible web design had become, with one participant stating, “I never thought I could build a website. This is a game-changer for my small business! The program not only emphasizes technical skills but also encourages creative thinking and problem-solving.”
Mr Odah guided participants through the process of selecting templates, customizing layouts, and integrating essential features like contact forms and social media links. At the end of the training, attendees were able to run fully functional websites ready to showcase their projects and businesses.
Some notable personalities who were in attendance include; Pastor Emmanuel Oluwafemi Okeowo (General Overseer World of Grace Family Impact Church), Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel (Ibadan North Constituency II), Hon. Opeyemi Modiu (Ibadan S’East I), Executive Chairman, Ibadan North LG, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, Hon. Yusuff Adebisi (Ibadan S’west 1), Asiwaju Seun Fakorede, Hon. Ogunshina Micheal (Oyo PDP Youth Leader, Acting Publicity Secretary), Alake Iya Pedro, and Hon. Dideoluwa Victor.
Others include Rev Idowu Ogedengbe, Hon. Afolabi Yusuff, and several others.
