Odu’a Investment Foundation (OIF), a non-profit-making arm of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Tuesday, launched an intervention project, Digital Education for Innovation and Economic Development (DEFINED) to up-skill Southwest youths towards embracing digital revolution.
The project aims at taking digital skills to 137 councils of South-West states of Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Lagos. According to OIF, DEFINED will enhance transformative entrepreneurship and employment opportunities across the South West.
At the inauguration of the advisory council in July this year, the Foundation made a solemn pledge to hit the ground running and make the foundation work optimally for the good of South West people. OIF also introduced Byte Busters coding clubs in all primary and secondary schools.
The highlight of the programme was when students presented their work in programming and showcased their skills. Representatives of the six southwest states also pledged that they would put the region first and make it an enviable region in Nigeria and in the world.
In her address, Chairman, Odu’a Investment Foundation, Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, said that for the South-West to continue to set the pace in Nigeria, focus must be on formulating and implementing cutting-edge ideas and programmes that would speak directly to the needs of the people’s present and future, while consolidating on the gains of the past.
In his goodwill message, Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who was represented by a member representing Ondo State on Odu’a board, Chief Segun Ojo, said: “The world is rapidly evolving, and so are the skills required for success in the 21st Century. Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it is transforming how we do virtually everything ranging from how we do business, learn, teach and interact.”
On his part, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Permanent Secretary, Office of Secretary to the State Government/Cabinet Office, Tolani Oshodi, said: “Our rapidly evolving digital landscape, where access to knowledge and IT skills is paramount, needs a decisive response and I am happy that this project has emerged as a beacon of hope and opportunity, which stands as a testament to the collective determination of the foundation to create a more inclusive and innovative society.”