The Atta Igala and President of the Kogi State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II, has urged youths in Kogi State and across Nigeria to embrace technology and digital innovation as key drivers of personal development and national growth.
He made the call during the inaugural induction ceremony of fellows of the Ajatek Kogi-Youth-In-Tech 1.0 programme, sponsored by the Igala Association USA, held on Saturday in Kogi State.
The monarch, who was represented by the Ejeh Dekina, His Royal Highness Dr. Usman Obaje, said young people must pursue careers in Information Technology and other emerging digital fields, noting that the global economy is increasingly driven by technology, innovation and knowledge-based industries.
He stressed that digital literacy and technical skills have become essential for economic advancement, job creation and societal transformation, urging youths to position themselves as active participants in the digital economy.
The Atta Igala also commended diaspora and community-based organisations for investing in youth development through technology training, while calling on governments and stakeholders to increase support for similar initiatives.
Speaking at the event, the chief executive officer of Ajatek Multisolutions, Mr. Anthony James Aliduh, challenged the graduating fellows to apply the knowledge gained during the programme to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
He said the initiative was designed to equip young people with practical digital skills, redirect their energies toward productive ventures, and promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
Aliduh expressed confidence that Kogi youths would increasingly be recognised for technological innovation, creativity and excellence rather than social vices.
He also announced plans to expand the Kogi Youth in Tech Collaborative Programme across the state to enable more young people benefit from digital skills training and mentorship.
In her remarks, president of the Igala Association USA, Mrs. Teresa Edoja, congratulated the 40 participants who completed the eight-week Information Technology bootcamp.
She said the beneficiaries, drawn from nine local government areas in Kogi East, were trained in digital and soft skills and provided with laptops and internet routers to support their continued learning and career development.
Edoja urged the graduates to serve as ambassadors of ethical Information Technology and artificial intelligence use, stressing the need for responsible deployment of technology for societal progress and global competitiveness.
A statement by the public relations officer of the Igala Association USA, Dr. Raphael Agbali, said the initiative was driven by collaboration between the Igala diaspora community in the United States, corporate partners including MTN, Ajatek’s technical training team and Kogi professionals offering mentorship within the global digital ecosystem.
According to the statement, the programme is part of a broader vision to position Kogi State as a leading hub for Information Technology and artificial intelligence development in Nigeria.
The graduation ceremony attracted traditional rulers, dignitaries, parents, friends and community stakeholders who celebrated the pioneer fellows and the programme’s role in youth empowerment, digital inclusion and sustainable development.
