Sen. Olamilekan Adeola (APC-Lagos West) says human capital development is indispensable to the technological advancement and progress of any nation.
Adeola made the assertion on Monday in Ikeja, during the distribution of laptops to no fewer than 1000 graduates in his constituency.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the beneficiaries were given the devices after undergoing a seven-week ICT training, facilitated by the senator.
The young graduates, selected from across the 10 local government areas in Lagos West, were exposed to courses such as digital marketing, Microsoft Power B1 and graphics design.
Adeola, also Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, said he was a firm believer in skill acquisition for employment and progress, hence the training of the youths and the presentation of laptops to support them.
“As part of my representative functions over the years, I have made it of paramount importance that youths in my constituency are given requisite skills to establish themselves in gainful employment.
“Towards this end, many trainings for skill acquisition, entrepreneurship and ICT as well as empowerment with equipment have aken place in the past with thousands of beneficiaries that are now gainfully employed,” he said.
He said the beneficiaries were selected out of the over 5000 that applied for the training, after a competitive online test.
Adeola added that many of the beneficiaries sat for internationally-recognised examinations after the training and got professional certification.
The senator said he was irrevocably committed to improving lives in his constituency and would continue to deliver democratic dividends to the people.
“Let me state that in the remaining period of my service as a senator representing Lagos West senatorial district, I will continue to deliver effective representation and democratic dividends to my constituents.
“I congratulate all the beneficiaries of this programme and urge them to apply the skills learnt in the course of their training for social economic advancement in the society,”he said.
Speaking, Mr Tim Akano, Managing Director, New Horizon Nigeria, the firm that handled the training, said that technology was the new mover of developed economies.
He said most of the development strides recorded by China, Japan, United States of America and others were catalysed by technology and innovation.
“Technology moves the world, innovation rules the world. China and others are what they are today because of technology.
“Uber was started by just two young guys with just two laptops. Today, Uber is worth more than 80 billon US dollars. We can achieve a lot in Nigeria if we look at that area,” he said.
Akano lauded the facilitation of the ICT training and the presentation of laptops by the senator, describing it as encouraging.
He said his firm was proud to work with the senator to equip the people of the constituency with skills.
Also speaking, Mr Jelili Sulaiman, Chairman, Alimosho Local Government Area, also commended the senator for the initiative.
He urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by making the best use of the skills acquired and devices given.
A beneficiary, Moyosore Ayoola, thanked the senator for the training and the laptop.
She said with the skills gained and the device, she hoped to make a living in digital marketing.
“I can’t thank the senator enough. He has taught me how to fish rather than given me fish.
“I now know so much in digital marketing and with this laptop, I believe I can now do a lot for myself and touch others,” she said.