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Ibadan — In a bold move to address youth unemployment and deepen digital literacy in Oyo State, Otunba Oluseye Oladosu Opatoki, governorship aspirant for the 2027 elections, on Friday, 3rd April, 2026, flagged off the Opatoki Digital Skills Training and Empowerment Program at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Ibadan.
The orientation session, which drew a large crowd of young people, artisans, youth organizations, and political stakeholders from across the 33 local government areas of the state, marks the beginning of what the organisers described as a deliberate strategy to equip Oyo youths with globally relevant digital skills and position them for economic self-reliance in an increasingly digitalized world.
Addressing participants, Otunba Oluseye Oladosu Opatoki said the initiative was borne out of his personal conviction to give back to society and contribute meaningfully to the development of Oyo State using the resources and opportunities God has given him. He declared that the program was not merely a political gesture, but a long-term investment in the state’s human capital.
“Starting today, we’re taking this online. I want to contribute what God has given me to the development of Oyo State and its people — that is why we launched this program,” Otunba Opatoki stated.
He charged the beneficiaries to demonstrate commitment and seriousness, noting that the success of the training depends largely on their willingness to learn, practice, and apply the skills they acquire.
“I urge you to take it seriously. I’m looking for between ten and twenty committed participants — or even more — who are ready to give this program their all. If you are serious and dedicated, we will reward you beyond your expectations,” he said.
Otunba Oluseye Opatoki emphasized that the core purpose of the empowerment scheme is to invest in the next generation of leaders in Oyo State. According to him, sustainable development is only possible when deliberate efforts are made to empower young people with relevant knowledge and tools.
“The purpose of this initiative is simple: we want to invest in you. We want to invest in our future leaders. We want to give back to Oyo State by empowering its young people. So I appeal to you — take this seriously,” he added.
In what drew loud applause from the audience, the governorship hopeful announced that outstanding participants who show exceptional commitment throughout the training would be rewarded with laptops and other digital gadgets to enable them to immediately deploy their new skills in the marketplace.
“I can assure you, by the grace of God, that for those who commit to this program, the sky will only be the beginning of your progress. Beyond the training, we will support you in other ways we can. For the most serious and outstanding participants, we will reward you with laptops and other gadgets that will enable you to put your skills to work and excel,” Otunba Opatoki declared.
Speaking further on the motivation behind the program, he linked his vision to the need for continuity and consolidation of good governance in Oyo State. He commended the current administration for laying a solid foundation and stated his readiness to build upon it when given the mandate.
“Why are we doing this? Because part of our vision is to build a greater Oyo State. His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, has done tremendously well — beyond imagination — and when our time comes, our desire is to take over from him and raise the state to an even higher level. We want to build on his foundation. That’s why we asked ourselves: what can we do now? The answer is clear — start investing in Oyo State, start investing in our young people,” he explained.
Otunba Oluseye Opatoki, a quantity surveyor and businessman, stressed that education remains the greatest legacy any society can bequeath to its citizens, adding that digital education in particular represents the currency of the 21st-century economy.
“What makes a great nation is education. The best gift you can give to any child, family, or individual is education — and this digital skills program is part of that. Once you learn and you put what you learn into practice, you will fly. I believe strongly that among you today are future great men and women. By God’s grace, you shall be great in life. I welcome you all, and I sincerely appreciate everyone who made this possible,” he concluded.
Earlier in his remarks, a member of the organizing team, Olaniyan Tolulope Alphonse, explained that the program was conceptualized in line with Otunba Oluseye Oladosu Opatoki’s long-standing passion for youth development and empowerment.
“This initiative is inspired by Otunba Oluseye Opatoki’s vision and strong passion for youth empowerment. He has consistently invested in youth development programs in the past, but he recently identified digital marketing training as a more expansive and impactful approach. Whether you’re a young graduate or a business owner, digital marketing skills will help you upscale your business and reach wider markets. Otunba Oluseye Opatoki believes this is the right time to equip our people with digital skills — that’s the major drive behind today’s program,” Alfonso said.
The facilitator and convener of the training, Miss Favoured Esther, an AI automation expert, while speaking in an interview with journalists on the importance of digital skills, described them as survival tools in the modern economy rather than optional competencies.
“In 2026, the world is already fully digitalized. The average person spends hours daily on their phone or computer — on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, LinkedIn, and other platforms. Businesses, governments, and even politics now run online,” she said.
According to Miss Esther, the capacity to create content, run digital advertisements, manage social media accounts, design graphics, edit videos, write copy, perform basic coding, or analyze data empowers individuals to market themselves globally without dependence on traditional employment structures.
“That means digital skills are no longer ‘extra’ — they’re survival skills. If you can create content, run ads, manage social media pages, design graphics, edit videos, write copy, do basic coding, or analyze data, you can sell yourself and your skills to the world without waiting for a government job,” she explained.
She further noted that for states like Oyo and for Nigeria as a whole, digital skills represent one of the fastest routes out of unemployment because they require minimal startup capital and offer access to international markets.
“For Oyo State and Nigeria, digital skills are one of the fastest ways out of unemployment because you don’t need a shop or big capital to start. You can work for clients in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles from Ibadan. Every business now needs an online presence — and they’ll pay people who can help them grow there. So yes, in 2026, if you’re not digital, you’re invisible,” Miss Esther affirmed.
Participants at the orientation session commended Otunba Oluseye Oladosu Opatoki for his generosity, foresight, and consistent commitment to youth empowerment. Many described the initiative as timely and impactful, pledging their support for his political ambition while urging him to sustain such people-centered programs.
They also appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to consider Otunba Oluseyi Opatoki as a credible and capable successor who can consolidate and advance the developmental achievements of the Omituntun administration into its next phase.
The event was well attended by party stalwarts, representatives of artisan associations, youth groups, and young beneficiaries drawn from Ibadan, Ogbomosho, Oyo, Ibarapa, and Oke-Ogun zones of the state.
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