Odunmbaku empowers youths with digital training, urges political participation - OJODU LCDA

The Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku, has launched a six-month digital skills empowerment programme for 154 youths within the council area, urging them to take active roles in the nation’s democratic process.

The comprehensive training which starts on Monday, October 20 at the ICT Centre , Oluwole, Ogba, will cover key areas such as digital literacy, social media marketing, cybersecurity, digital entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing.

Addressing the participants among whom are youths, undergraduates, graduates, artisans, and unemployed, Hon. Odunmbaku charged them to seize the opportunity to acquire relevant digital skills while also exercising their civic duties by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participating actively in elections.

He expressed concern over the growing apathy of young people toward governance, emphasizing that meaningful change requires their involvement. “Go and register to vote and exhibit your civic responsibility,” he said. “Many of our young ones 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.”

Odunmbaku noted that youth participation in governance remains central to sustainable development, describing the current administration as one that values intellect and innovation.

“We have a president that is cerebral and has created programmes that benefit the youths such as the school loan scheme and the reinstatement of history as a compulsory subject in schools. As youths, you have the power to change the status quo by taking part in the electoral process. It may not be a perfect system, but it can only improve when you participate,” he added.

Speaking on the empowerment initiative which will last between four and six months with the extension of another three months for successful ones, the council boss described the digital training as a “fantastic opportunity” for the participants to acquire world-class technical knowledge and become self-reliant.

“Digital empowerment will give 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 you’ll need it,” he said.

He further revealed that outstanding participants would have the chance to advance their learning in South Africa, stressing that the programme is designed to position Ojodu youths and make them compete with their counterparts globally as well as contribute to national development. “With your certification, you can excel anywhere in the world. This is a catalyst for growth and a pathway to self-sufficiency,” he concluded.

The initiative aligns with the council’s broader commitment to youth development, innovation, and inclusive governance.