The Edo State Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy (MCDE) has commenced discussions with the Genius Hub, a technology and skills development organisation in Benin City, on a strategic collaboration aimed at expanding access to digital, technical, vocational and creative skills for young people and other residents across the State.
The engagement formed part of the Ministry’s strategic drive to strengthen partnerships with credible technology hubs, startups and private-sector organisations on promoting digital literacy, innovation, employability, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in Edo State.
As part of the engagement, the Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Ohimai Ehijimetor with his Team was conducted by the Founder of Genius Hub, Mrs. Isimeme Whyte, who took the delegation on guided tour of the Hub’s various training sections and facilities at the Production Centre along Sapele Road in Benin City.
The Commissioner stated that the Ministry was impressed by the practical approach adopted by Genius Hub in equipping young people with relevant skills capable of improving their employability, self-reliance and participation in the digital and creative economy. He explained that the visit was aimed at exploring a structured and meaningful partnership between the Ministry and Genius Hub, while encouraging other technology hubs and startups across Edo State to identify opportunities for collaboration with the State Government in expanding access to skills development.
According to the Commissioner, the practical nature of the programmes observed during the tour aligns with the Ministry’s mandate of promoting digital literacy, innovation, skills development and technology-driven economic opportunities. He encouraged trainees at the Hub to become ambassadors of the opportunities available at the facility by sharing their experiences with other young people and communities, stressing that equipping citizens with productive skills remains critical to building a self-reliant and economically productive population.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Jennifer E. N. Aisuan, expressed satisfaction with the facilities and training activities observed during the tour, emphasising practical learning and the experiences shared by beneficiaries. She stated that the visit had provided the Ministry with a better understanding of the scope of Genius Hub’s programmes and its potential impact on skills development in the State.
Mrs. Aisuan while emphasising the importance of collaboration between government and credible private-sector organisations in building a skilled and productive workforce, noted that partnerships with organisations such as the Genius Hub would help extend digital and technical training opportunities to more residents across Edo State.
During the tour, the delegation inspected the Computer/ICT, Tailoring and Fashion Design, Graphics Design, Content Creation and Filmmaking, Life Skills Development, Wig-Making and Wig-Ventilating sections, as well as the Film Production Studio.
At the Graphics Design Section, a trainee demonstrated his skills, highlighting the Hub’s hands-on approach to learning. The delegation also observed trainees operating industrial machines and applying skills acquired through their respective programmes. At the Tailoring and Fashion Design Section, trainees explained how their training had enabled them to integrate digital techniques into clothing measurement and production, improving precision, efficiency and productivity.
The delegation also inspected the Film Production Studio, where the Founder explained that the facility had been used in the production of award-winning films, demonstrating the Organisation’s capacity to provide practical training and opportunities within the creative industry. Some trainees shared their experiences, noting that the programmes had helped them discover their abilities, build confidence and identify opportunities to develop their talents into productive livelihoods.
The Founder of Genius Hub, Mrs. Isimeme Whyte, appealed to the Ministry to consider the Organisation among its priority partners for skills development and other public-facing initiatives. She solicited for greater visibility for the Hub’s programmes, noting that increased awareness would enable more Edo residents, particularly young people, to discover and benefit from the opportunities available at the facility.
The engagement is expected to pave the way for further discussions on areas of collaboration and support for the Edo State Government’s efforts to create more pathways for residents to acquire relevant skills, discover their potentials and participate meaningfully in the State’s growing digital, technical and creative economy.
