Hon. Stanley Olajide Empowers Oyo Artisans with Digital Skills, Laptops, and Stipends in Groundbreaking NITDA Training
In a groundbreaking initiative to bridge the digital divide and empower young artisans in Oyo State, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with Hon. Stanley Olajide (popularly known as Odidiomo), successfully concluded a five-day digital skills training program.
The program, held from Monday, May 12 to Friday, May 16, 2025, took place at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Center, Iyaganku, Ibadan. It attracted dozens of eager youths, most of whom were artisans seeking to enhance their skills and future-proof their trades through digital literacy.
Over the course of the training, participants were introduced to a wide range of digital tools, including basic computing, online marketing, social media engagement, and digital entrepreneurship. These skills are intended to not only improve their craft but also enable them to compete more effectively in today’s tech-driven economy.
Hon. Olajide, who also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Digital and Communications, was present throughout the initiative and played a pivotal role in its facilitation. His commitment to youth empowerment and digital inclusion was clearly reflected in the success of the event.
At the closing ceremony on Friday, participants were awarded certificates of completion, stipends to support their transition into the digital world, and brand-new laptops to aid in practical application of the knowledge gained.
In his remarks, Hon. Olajide thanked the Minister of Communications Dr. Bosun Tijani for making the program possible through his office. He emphasized that the training was part of a broader national agenda to empower underrepresented communities, especially artisans, with digital tools to better their lives and livelihoods.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to bring this program to Oyo State,” he stated. “This is a significant step toward bridging the gap between the literate and the less privileged. We are committed to building a digitally inclusive society where no one is left behind.”
He applauded the participants for their commitment during the training, urging them to view themselves not just as artisans, but as digital ambassadors who can drive innovation in their respective communities.
Hon. Olajide also encouraged traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and fellow Nigerians to support youth development initiatives, stressing that equipping young people with relevant digital skills is essential for national progress.
“The youth must understand that the power to shape their future lies in their hands,” he said. “With the right tools and mindset, they can redefine what it means to be an artisan in the digital age.”
He concluded by urging the beneficiaries to make the most of the laptops and knowledge received. Citing his own experience, he noted how digital and IT skills had transformed his journey and opened doors to numerous opportunities.
“The sky is not the limit,” he told them. “With hard work and continued learning, the sky is just the beginning.”
The event was widely praised as a model of effective grassroots empowerment and a bold step toward digital inclusion for artisans across Nigeria.