By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Ondo state government, has launched a summer holiday bootcamp to train 120 secondary school students in digital skills.

The students between ages 10 to 18 were trained in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy at the Public Service Training Institute, Ilara Mokin.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa,while declaring open the weeklong program tagged “Build-A-thon holiday bootcamp” said that Information and communications technology(ICT) has become a critical tool for economic growth, innovation and social development.

Speaking through his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor said there is dire need for the training of students on digital technology and elementary IT skills,in order to expose them to the global integration space.

Ayedatiwa said “this boot camp program will help to promote digital literacy and empower young technology enthusiasts, it will also inspire new generation of entrepreneurs in the technology ecosystem while providing a conducive environment to explore new field of ICT technology, foster innovation and engender a workplace that unites developers, designers and entrepreneurs.”

The Education commissioner, Laolu Akindolire, described the training as a launchpad for the participants to become ICT natives in the rapid changing world.

 Akindolire commended the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) for the training, noting that ” technology is at the forefront especially now that artificial intelligence is contributing immensely to the world’s economic growth.

Also the SSA to the Governor on ICT, Hon. Tomide Akinribido, said the objective of the training is to ensure that every student who goes through the program is inspired to develop interest in the field of technology.

Akinribido said that “introducing young ones to digital literacy and IT skills at secondary school levels indicates that the state is laying a good foundation for a purposeful future and preparing the ground for the next generation of tech leaders and innovators”

Other dignitaries at the occasion include the Permanent Secretary, State Information Technology Agency (SITA) Dr (Mrs) Folukemi Aladenola, Permanent Secretary, PSTI, Dr. Sesan Asere, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Folashade Adegoke represented by Mr. Francis Omooluwa.