IGAD commissions digital hub for youth upskilling

TIjesha Global Alliance for Development ( IGAD), a coalition of Ijeshas based in North America, Europe and in the Nigeria homeland, has commissioned the Ijesha Digital Hub and inducted its first cohort of 107 trainees in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and UI/ UX Design.

The hub, which is situated at Olashore International

School in Iloko- Ijesha, took the step to transform Ijeshaland as the digital hub of excellence in the country.

On January 4, 107 of the best of the best Ijesha youths gathered at the hub to begin their training as skilled workforce and techno- entrepreneurs in the emerging global digital economy.

The inauguration was graced by prominent speakers and community leaders, including two royal fathers, Kabiyesi Owaloko, and the Oniwoye of Iwoye- Ijesha, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Supo Shadiya, President, Ijesa Development Council ( IDC) and Dr. Adewale Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer and founder of

Digital Encode, Barrister Dupe Ajayi- Gbadebo, IDC Vice President, among others, who shared their insights on the indispensability of technology in shaping the future.

Vice President, IGAD, Dr. Adewale Alonge, who is one the visionaries behind IGAD, in his welcome address, noted that Nigeria, with the largest youth population in the world, with a median age of 18.1 years, faces either a demographic ticking time- bomb or a demographic economic windfall depending on the choice the country makes as it relates to investment in youth human capital development.

He noted that IGAD’S Ijesha Digital Hub was an investment in Ijesha youth human capital as the driver of the Ijesha development agenda.

The event also highlighted the importance of facilitating entrepreneurial drive and soft skills among the youth. Dr. Wale Alonge emphasised: “We are not just training for technical proficiency; we are exemplifying entrepreneurship and soft skills.