By Queen Madaki
The Attah Igala and Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II, has commended increasing investments in digital technology and youth-focused innovation programmes, urging governments, private organisations, and individuals to intensify support for youth empowerment initiatives.
Speaking through the Ejeh Dekina, Dr. Usman Obaje, OON, during the inaugural induction ceremony of the Ajatek Kogi Youth-in-Tech 1.0 Fellows held in Anyigba, Kogi State, the royal father applauded the organisers for equipping young people with valuable digital skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Attah Igala Urges Youths to Embrace Technology
The monarch invoked royal blessings on the graduating fellows sponsored by the Igala Association USA and encouraged youths to pursue productive careers in information technology and other emerging digital sectors.
According to him, digital literacy and technological innovation have become essential tools for economic growth and personal development in today’s world.
He urged young people across Kogi State to embrace continuous learning, innovation, discipline, and ethical conduct as pathways to success.
“Youths must position themselves as positive agents of change through innovation, discipline, and continuous learning in order to remain relevant in the global digital economy,” he said.
Ajatek Announces Expansion of Youth-in-Tech Programme
The Chief Executive Officer of Ajatek Multisolutions and implementing partner of the initiative, Anthony James Aliduh, charged the graduating fellows to serve as worthy ambassadors of the programme.
He stressed that Kogi youths should be recognised for innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity rather than social vices.
Aliduh also announced plans to expand the Kogi Youth-in-Tech Collaborative Programme to other parts of the state in order to create more opportunities for young people interested in technology-driven careers.
40 Participants Complete Intensive Digital Training
Speaking at the event, President of Igala Association USA, Ms. Teresa Edoja, congratulated the 40 participants selected from the nine local government areas of Kogi East who successfully completed the eight-week intensive Information Technology bootcamp.
She disclosed that beneficiaries received training in digital soft skills and were provided with laptops and internet routers to support their continued learning and professional development.
Edoja encouraged the graduates to uphold the values of the programme and promote the responsible use of information technology and artificial intelligence.
Programme Aims to Position Kogi in Global Digital Economy
The Public Relations Officer of Igala Association USA, Dr. Raphael Agbali, described the initiative as a product of collaboration between the Igala diaspora community, corporate organisations, technology experts, and mentors of Kogi origin working across the global digital ecosystem.
According to him, the programme represents a significant step toward positioning Kogi State as a key player in the global digital and artificial intelligence economy.
He noted that support from partners, including MTN and other stakeholders, contributed significantly to the success of the maiden edition of the fellowship programme.
Admiral Usman Jibrin Support for Youth Development Receives Boost
Attah Igala also thanked Admiral Usman Jibrin, the Accord Party candidate in the 2023 Kogi governorship election, for donating Oyibe Hotel in Anyigba to the organisers as part of his contribution to the success of the programme.
Admiral Usman Jibrin also urged all Igala Youths to consider taking advantage of the programme to develop themselves.
The Bureau Journal reports that stakeholders at the event unanimously called for sustained investment in technology education, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship to prepare Kogi youths for opportunities in the rapidly expanding global technology sector.
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