The Ekiti State Government has distributed laptops to 16 graduates of the Ekiti Digital Acceleration Programme (EDAP) as part of efforts to equip young people with digital skills and improve their economic opportunities.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Gold Adedayo, said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to moving young people “from learning to earning, from dependence to productivity and from potential to performance.”
Adedayo said the programme demonstrated that youths in the state could compete, innovate and excel when given the right support and opportunities.
He described the laptops as more than ordinary tools, saying they symbolised trust, encouragement and a bridge between training and practical application in the digital economy.
“The digital economy rewards adaptability, professionalism and continuous improvement,” he said, urging beneficiaries to remain focused, upgrade their skills continuously and embrace collaboration and mentorship.
The commissioner also encouraged the graduates to serve as ambassadors of the programme in their communities by demonstrating responsibility, integrity and service.
“When you succeed, you inspire others to believe that youth empowerment is possible and that meaningful change can begin with one determined young person,” he said.
Adedayo commended Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for supporting the initiative and appreciated the contributions of development partners, particularly MOTIVAR, programme facilitators and other stakeholders involved in the success of the programme.
He also called on local government councils and community leaders to create enabling environments for young entrepreneurs through improved power supply, internet connectivity and market linkages.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Olawale Olaleye, lauded the governor for approving the provision and distribution of laptops to beneficiaries of the programme.
Olaleye said the intervention would improve employability, stimulate digital entrepreneurship and create opportunities for economic growth across the state.
He advised the graduates to remain accountable to their mentors and communities, utilise the networks formed during the training and regularly update programme coordinators on their progress.
“If you encounter challenges, seek support. Your success is the programme’s success,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Adesola Fadiran, described the event as a significant milestone in the journey toward building a digitally empowered Ekiti State.
Olatunbosun said the ceremony not only marked the successful completion of the Digital Acceleration Programme by the first set of graduates, but also signalled the beginning of new opportunities, innovation and transformation for the beneficiaries.
He said the distribution of laptops symbolised more than the provision of devices, noting that it reflected the government’s commitment to human capital development, digital inclusion and the future of young people in the state.
“I congratulate the graduates for being pioneers and worthy ambassadors of a new digital era in Ekiti State. I encourage you to make productive use of the knowledge and resources you have received for the development of the state and the nation at large,” he said.
Olatunbosun also commended Gov. Oyebanji for the initiative and appreciated programme coordinators, trainers and stakeholders whose efforts contributed to its success.
Last modified: May 25, 2026