Ekiti State Government has distributed laptops to 16 graduates of the Ekiti Digital Acceleration Programme (EDAP) as part of efforts to strengthen digital skills development and improve economic opportunities for young people in the state.
The laptops were presented to the beneficiaries during a ceremony held in Ado-Ekiti, where government officials described the initiative as a practical step toward preparing youths for opportunities in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Gold Adedayo, said the programme reflects the administration’s commitment to empowering young people beyond classroom learning.
According to him, the state government is focused on helping youths move “from learning to earning, from dependence to productivity and from potential to performance.”
Adedayo said the success of EDAP shows that young people in Ekiti can compete and succeed in the digital space when they are given the right support, training and access to tools.
He described the laptops as more than ordinary devices, noting that they represent trust, encouragement and a direct connection between digital training and real-world application.
“The digital economy rewards adaptability, professionalism and continuous improvement,” he said.
He urged the graduates to continue improving their skills, remain committed to learning and take advantage of collaboration and mentorship opportunities available within the tech ecosystem.
The commissioner also encouraged the beneficiaries to become ambassadors of the programme in their various communities by demonstrating responsibility, integrity and service.
“When you succeed, you inspire others to believe that youth empowerment is possible and that meaningful change can begin with one determined young person,” Adedayo said.
He commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for supporting the initiative and also appreciated development partners, particularly MOTIVAR, programme facilitators and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
Adedayo further called on local government councils and community leaders to support young entrepreneurs through improved power supply, internet connectivity and stronger market opportunities.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Olawale Olaleye, said the intervention would improve employability and support digital entrepreneurship among beneficiaries.
Olaleye said the distribution of laptops would help create more economic opportunities for young people across the state while strengthening the impact of the training programme.
He advised the graduates to stay connected with their mentors and make good use of the networks created during the programme.
“If you encounter challenges, seek support. Your success is the programme’s success,” he said.
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Adesola Fadiran, described the ceremony as an important step toward building a digitally empowered Ekiti State.
Olatunbosun said the event marked not only the completion of the Digital Acceleration Programme by its first set of graduates, but also the beginning of new opportunities for innovation and transformation.
He added that the laptop distribution reflects the government’s commitment to human capital development, digital inclusion and the future of young people in the state.
“I congratulate the graduates for being pioneers and worthy ambassadors of a new digital era in Ekiti State,” he said.
