The Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Abiodun Adebayo has charged youths in Ota, to empower others with the knowledge and skills imparted in them through the Ota Youth Empowerment Digital Training.

He gave the advice at the closing ceremony of the three weeks of training organised by the University’s Community Development Impact Initiative Committee (CUCDIIC), in conjunction with Cisco Networking Academy.

The Vice-Chancellor advised the graduands to maximise the opportunity the platform provided to start small but build on it.

He noted that as a responsible university, the institution was interested in the development of its host community, thereby fulfilling one of the purposes of the establishment of a university, capacity building, which is also one of the institution’s core values.

He appreciated the CISCO Networking Academy, the Community Development Impact Initiative Committee (CDIIC), and other sponsors and partners that helped in the establishment of the programme, praying that the journey would end in greater feats.

The Olota of Ota, HRH, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, urged the beneficiaries of the training programme to make use of the knowledge acquired, even if they have to volunteer to build on the knowledge.

He commended the university for its immense contribution to the development of the Ota Community, promising to employ one of the participants in the Cinematography programme.
The Managing Director of Unites Cisco, Mr. Toyin Olatayo, noted that his organisation was involved in the training because of the passion for human development,

He said: “All the participants are now leaving the programme as confident, creative creators of new technologies rather than being users only. They will also understand the impact of those technologies on society.”
Also speaking, the Chairperson, CUCDIIC Professor Tayo George, who initiated the programme, highlighted the importance of digital education to society.

She said: “We know the importance of digital education in our society today and it is one of the things we do in the university. And we try as much as possible to reach out to our host community with impactful programmes, and this is one of such laudable programmes.”

Not less than 150 youths in Ota were empowered with digital skills that included cinematography, cyber security, Internet of Things (IoT), IT Essentials, phone repairs, graphics, Python, solar panel, and web design.
Some of the participants who distinguished themselves were presented with awards. The Changemaker Award went to Omotola Sunday Akinyeoluwa, while Smart Beyioku and Ireoluwatonde Fasanu were awarded Future Leader Awards.