Kogi Youths Urged To Embrace Technology For National Growth

The Atta Igala and president of the Kogi State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II, has challenged youths in Kogi State and across Nigeria to embrace technology and digital innovation as critical tools for personal development and national growth.

The monarch made the call during the inaugural induction of fellows of the Ajatek Kogi-Youth-In-Tech 1.0 programme, sponsored by the Igala Association USA, held on Saturday in Kogi.

Represented by the Ejeh Dekina, His Royal Highness Dr. Usman Obaje, the Atta Igala encouraged young people to 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.

According to him, digital literacy and technical skills have become indispensable for economic advancement, job creation, and societal transformation, urging youths to position themselves as agents of positive change in the rapidly evolving digital age.

The royal father also commended community-based and diaspora organisations for investing in youth development through technology education, while calling on governments, elected officials, and other stakeholders to expand 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 acquired during the programme to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

He said the initiative was designed to equip young people with practical digital skills, redirect their energies toward productive ventures, and create pathways for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Aliduh expressed confidence that Kogi youths would increasingly be known for technological innovation, creativity, and excellence rather than social vices.

He also unveiled plans to expand the Kogi Youth in Tech Collaborative Programme across the state, enabling more young people to benefit from digital skills training and professional mentorship.

In her remarks, president of Igala Association USA, Mrs. Teresa Edoja, congratulated the 40 participants who successfully completed the intensive eight-week Information Technology Bootcamp.

The beneficiaries, drawn from nine local government areas in Kogi East, received training in digital and soft skills and were provided with laptops and internet router devices to support their continued learning and career development.

Edoja urged the graduates to become ambassadors of ethical Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence use, emphasizing the importance of deploying technology responsibly for societal progress and global competitiveness.

She described the programme as a strategic investment in the future of Kogi youths, expressing optimism that the graduates would leverage their new skills to create opportunities for themselves and others.

A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of Igala Association USA, Dr. Raphael Agbali, said the initiative was a product of collaboration among the Igala diaspora community in the United States, corporate partners including MTN, Ajatek’s technical training team, and accomplished Kogi professionals providing mentorship within the global digital ecosystem.

According to the statement, the programme represents the beginning 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 dignitaries, traditional rulers, parents, friends, and community stakeholders who celebrated the achievements of the pioneer fellows and the programme’s contribution to youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and sustainable development.