Odunmbaku launches Digital Empowerment for 154 youths, urges political participation

The Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku, has flagged off a six-month digital empowerment programme for 154 youths, calling on them to combine technical advancement with civic engagement.

The initiative, which begins on Monday, October 20, at the ICT Centre, Oluwole, Ogba, is designed to equip participants with 21st-century digital competencies in areas such as digital literacy, social media marketing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital entrepreneurship.

Addressing a diverse audience of undergraduates, graduates, artisans, and jobseekers, Odunmbaku urged them to make the most of the training while also taking their political participation seriously.

“Go and register to vote and exhibit your civic responsibility,” he said.

“Many young people are disconnected from governance. Your decisions matter, you should be able to choose your leaders. If I had sat on the fence, I wouldn’t be chairman today.”

The council boss expressed worry over the growing disinterest of youths in governance, stressing that active participation remains key to meaningful national progress.

According to him, the current administration values intellect and innovation, citing initiatives such as the students’ loan scheme and the reintroduction of history as a compulsory subject in schools.

“As youths, you have the power to change the status quo by participating in the electoral process,” he said. “It may not be a perfect system, but it improves when you get involved.”

Speaking on the structure of the empowerment programme, Odunmbaku explained that the training would span between four and six months, with an additional three months for top-performing participants.

He described the project as a “fantastic opportunity” to gain world-class skills that would promote self-reliance and economic independence.

“Digital empowerment gives you the skills you need to move to the next level. The world has changed, vocational skills have evolved into technology. Take this training seriously because you never know when it will open doors for you,” he advised.

He also disclosed that exceptional participants would have the opportunity to further their learning in South Africa, positioning Ojodu youths to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.

“With your certification, you can excel anywhere in the world. This is a catalyst for growth and a pathway to self-sufficiency,” he said.

The initiative, he added, forms part of the council’s long-term vision to promote youth empowerment, innovation, and inclusive governance across Ojodu LCDA.