Ogun State Government has unveiled plans to train 100,000 Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) owners, especially youths, on emerging technologies, towards empowering them for contributions to the current drive towards digitalization of the economy.
The ICT capacity building initiative would be pursued through GetFundedAfrica Technologies (GFAT) in partnership with Microsoft, Google and Meta
In his keynote address during the launch of the training at OgunTechHub, Abeokuta, tagged ‘Gateway Skills Programme’, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security, Senator Shuaib Salisu, said the empowerment would be an opportunity for SMSEs and youths who want to be self-reliant, get equipped with relevant technology skills enabling them upgrade to digital marketing.
Salisu, who expressed optimism that the programme would revive the economic situation in Nigeria, said the state has the potentials to drive the programme in achieving desired goal.
Also speaking, the governor’s Special Adviser on ICT, Mr. Dayo Abiodun, said the partnership with Microsoft, Google and others was a deliberate attempt by the state government to expose small business owners, as well as young graduates to hidden benefits of digital economy, calling on beneficiaries to get registered, trained, certified and start working immediately, among other opportunities.
Similarly, the GFAT Co-founder, Mr. Adebowale Omololu, explained that the programme was designed for SMSEs and young graduates in Ogun, to be the first beneficiaries before other states, giving them necessary support to develop carriers in ICT, access finance and mentorship to grow their businesses, noting that digital economy is a pathway for thriving entrepreneurship.
He said: “We chose Ogun State first among others because of the business-friendly atmosphere created by Prince Dapo Abiodun. So, a portal will be opened for interested SMSEs to register; we will take them through different training sessions, upscale their products and services to a tech community and help them to access grants from international and local partners.
“Also, job seekers will have direct or indirect opportunities, thereby promoting digital marketing that will in the long run, boost revenue and position Ogun State on high pedestal”, Omololu added.
