“The future of work is digital,” says Ogun Central Senator as he equips graduates with practical tech skills
ABEOKUTA — The JAMB office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, was alive with energy on Monday, 11th May 2026, as 350 young graduates from Ogun Central Senatorial District began hands-on training in digital marketing and social media management.
For Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, it was more than the start of another training session. It was the 9th edition of his flagship skills acquisition programme, and another step in a personal mission to tackle youth unemployment head-on.
“We started the online component last Monday, and the physical training began today,” Salisu said. “For the next 10 days, these young men and women will learn skills that can make them competitive anywhere in the world.”
Walking the Talk on Digital Skills
The programme covers social media management, online advertising, content creation, and data-driven marketing — practical tools aimed at helping unemployed graduates and young business owners build careers and businesses in the digital economy.
Salisu, who chairs the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, told participants: “The future is digital. Look at what Artificial Intelligence is doing. To stay relevant, our students and youth must prioritise digital skills.”
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s “Digital Literacy for All” campaign and supports Ogun State’s broader digital transformation agenda.
A Track Record of Impact
This isn’t Salisu’s first push in the space. Over the years, more than 1,700 youths have passed through his training programmes across different batches. Beyond training, he has distributed laptops and cash grants, helped over 250 teachers upgrade their ICT skills, and sponsored JAMB forms for more than 1,000 students annually.
His interventions extend into schools too, with ICT laboratories set up at Nawairudeen Secondary School and Agbado District Comprehensive High School to give students early exposure to technology.
“Education is a treasure no one can steal from you,” Salisu said. “And I will not rest until many more of our youths are empowered.”
Gratitude and Expectations
Participants in the 9th edition have already expressed gratitude, with many saying the training gives them hope of standing on their own and contributing to the local economy.
For Salisu, the goal is clear: spread digital skills across schools and communities in Ogun Central, working closely with the Ogun State Ministry of Education to make it sustainable.
“I see the pain of unemployment in our land, and I refuse to keep quiet,” he said. “This initiative is my personal response to the challenge of joblessness among our youth.”
As the 10-day programme runs its course, the hope in Oke-Mosan is that 350 more young people will leave with not just certificates, but skills that open doors.
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (OMOYAYI, FNCS) represents Ogun Central Senatorial District.
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