The Edo State Government through its Ministry of Information and Communications in collaboration with the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), South-South Zone, has organised a three-day intensive training on digital skills and entrepreneurship for youths in the State.
The training, themed “Empowering Youths with Digital and Entrepreneurship Skills for Global Relevance”, was held at ARDP Building in Benin City from the 16th through 18th July, 2025.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rose Imonikhe, asserted that a lot was happening in the digital space and that the participants should take advantage of the training to equip themselves with the requisite skills needed to be at the top of their game.
Hon. Ohonbamu, while appreciating NBTI for the initiative, reiterated the Edo State Government’s commitment to the welfare of the people, especially the youth and that the initiative will complement the Government’s programmes on youth empowerment.
The Functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Jonathan Ukpebor appreciated NBTI and emphasised the need for youths to upgrade digitally with the caution that considering contemporary trends, persons without digital skills may not gain employment.
In an opening speech, Mr. Diekedie stated that the world is at digital age and that there was need for everyone to be digitally compliant in order to make positive impact globally. He emphasized the need for everyone to be reeducated; become digital literates regardless of educational qualifications, stating that Nigeria is endowed with one of the largest youth populations globally and that the Nation has to be repositioned through digital skills’ acquisition.
Courses featured at the training included Digital Marketing Skills, Copywriting and Content Writing, Entrepreneurial Skills, How to Maximize Artificial Intelligence Tools such as ChatGPT, amongst others.
Facilitators at the training were Mrs. Eno George Ikerelo, who dwelt on “Digital Marketing for Business Growth”, Ogheneruemusua Gbakeji took the session on “Graphic Design and Visual Communications”, Mr. Diekedie delivered a lecture titled, “Empowering Youth with Digital and Entrepreneurial Skills”. Favour Iloma trained on “Copywriting and content writing” while Mirabel N. Iyamu took the session on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology: Nano Tips for Using ChatGPT for Business”.
The position of the Best Performing Participant was keenly contested with nine out of the 40 participants, having a tie of 24 points out of 25 at the first stage.
The second stage of the test saw the emergence of another tie by two participants; Goodluck Aichienede and Mr. Joseph Anthanacious Eshiolese. The third stage saw the emergence of Akhabue as the winner and was presented with a gift.
Highpoint of the training was the presentation of certificates of participation to participants by Mr. Ukpebor.
The Winner, Aichienede while giving the vote of thanks, appreciated NBTI for the opportunity and the platform provided for participants to be exposed to essential digital skills that would help them thrive and give them a competitive edge in the business world.
