The Chairman of Ojo Local Government, Princess Muhibat Rufai, presented certificates to graduands of an Intensive Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Skill Acquisition Training Programme organised by the council. The ceremony recognised more than 100 participants who completed the council’s practical ICT modules and received equipment to help start small businesses or freelance work.
Ojo ICT training Nigeria boosts youth employability
Princess Rufai said the programme offered clear pathways to economic empowerment and more sustainable livelihoods for beneficiaries. She argued that formal education on its own is no longer sufficient in today’s economy and urged residents to pursue practical, vocational, digital and entrepreneurial skills to create jobs and drive local growth.
“ICT now plays a central role in communication, business and service delivery, making continuous learning and skill development essential,” the chairman said, adding that skill acquisition is a core pillar of her WHACES Agenda. She described the training as part of Project Thank You Ojo and said the council’s investment in people aimed to reduce unemployment, improve wellbeing and enhance community safety.
The administration noted that under Project Thank You Ojo, over 600 beneficiaries have been trained in vocational skills while more than 500 participants have completed ICT training programmes. The recent graduating cohort included trainees from across the local government area and represented a mix of youths and women seeking income-generating opportunities.
Local stakeholders praised the initiative. Ibrahim Adigun, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lagos Chapter, commended the chairman’s commitment to empowerment and described the training as practical and impactful. Adigun presented ICT starter packs to the three most outstanding trainees to help them translate their learning into small enterprises.
Princess Gbemisola Ajitunmobi of the Speed Up Lagos Project also lauded the council’s efforts, noting that 715 participants had benefited from the wider free skill acquisition programme under the initiative. Her remarks highlighted the role of partnerships in extending reach and resources to trainees.
The organisers emphasised that the training combined classroom instruction with hands-on practice, covering fundamental digital literacy, basic coding principles, online business tools and entrepreneurship modules. Trainers encouraged participants to view their certificates not just as recognition but as practical tools for independence and self-employment.
Graduands were urged to remain innovative, apply their new skills and create opportunities for themselves and others. The distribution of starter packs and recognition of top performers aimed to provide an initial boost so trainees could begin offering services locally or online.
By prioritising skill acquisition and digital training, Ojo Local Government seeks to strengthen community resilience and expand economic possibilities for residents. Officials said further programmes are planned to scale training and tailor courses to emerging market needs, ensuring more people can benefit from practical skills in a changing economy.
Key Takeaways:
- Ojo ICT training Nigeria awarded certificates to over 100 graduands from the council’s intensive ICT and skill acquisition programme.
- The Chairman, Princess Muhibat Rufai, highlighted the role of vocational and digital skills in job creation and sustainable livelihoods.
- More than 600 beneficiaries have been trained in vocational skills and over 500 in ICT under Project Thank You Ojo.
- Local partners and the National Youth Council provided starter packs and recognised top performers to support entrepreneurship.
