OLAKHURF Trains 150 Ogun Youths in Digital Entrepreneurship to Boost Local Economy

In a significant stride toward youth empowerment and economic self-reliance, the Otunba Lana Akintan Human Rights Foundation (OLAKHURF) has successfully trained 150 young men and women from the Yewa North Local Government Area in digital entrepreneurship. The one-day intensive capacity-building programme, held recently at Aladuke Hall in Oja-Odan, was designed to bridge the digital skills gap and equip participants with practical tools for modern business development and employment.

Themed “Digital Entrepreneurship Capacity Building Programme,” the initiative was executed under OLAKHURF’s Empowerment Support Services (ESUS) programme. The foundation, established by the renowned philanthropist and human rights advocate Otunba Ephraim Lana Akintan, is deeply committed to fostering sustainable development in Ogun State. Beyond youth empowerment, OLAKHURF actively drives critical interventions in three other vital areas: Domestic Violence and Abuse (DOVA), Child Rights Education (CRED), and Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Labour Practices (ATCLAP).

The training curriculum was meticulously structured to address the immediate and long-term needs of young entrepreneurs in a rapidly digitizing global economy. Resource persons Samson Egbuns, Michael Jacob, and Mary Oguntuyi facilitated highly interactive sessions, guiding the beneficiaries through three major thematic areas. First, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of the digital economy and modern entrepreneurial mindsets. Second, the facilitators unpacked actionable digital skills tailored specifically for employment generation and remote job creation. Finally, the sessions covered the intricacies of digital payment systems, ensuring that the youths are well-versed in the financial technologies necessary to securely scale and manage contemporary business enterprises.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Babayemi Ogundipe, the Chairman of OLAKHURF’s Board of Trustees, emphasized that the initiative is a direct reflection of the founder’s unwavering commitment to uplifting young people through education, skills acquisition, and tangible economic opportunities. He charged the beneficiaries to move beyond theoretical knowledge and actively apply their new skills to achieve financial independence.

“Apply the essence of this workshop to your lives,” Ogundipe urged the enthusiastic crowd. He further encouraged the participants to adopt a mindset of community development, advising them to give back to society and mentor others once they attain personal success. 

The holistic approach of the programme was highly appreciated by the attendees. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Daniel Emmanuel expressed profound gratitude to OLAKHURF and its founder for the timely intervention. He pledged that the participants would diligently apply the knowledge gained to build sustainable livelihoods, leveraging digital skills to navigate the modern entrepreneurial landscape and overcome traditional barriers to entry. 

To cement the impact of the training, the programme concluded with the formal presentation of certificates of participation to all 150 beneficiaries. However, the foundation made it clear that the end of the workshop does not mark the end of their support. Facilitators pledged to provide continued mentorship and guidance, ensuring that the youths have a reliable, long-term support system as they navigate the early, often challenging stages of their entrepreneurial pursuits.

This targeted intervention by OLAKHURF comes at a critical time when youth unemployment remains a pressing national challenge. By democratizing access to digital entrepreneurship education, the foundation is not only equipping individuals with highly marketable skills but also stimulating local economic growth in Yewa North. As these 150 youths transition from trainees to active digital entrepreneurs, the initiative stands as a replicable model for how community-driven interventions can effectively harness the potential of Nigeria’s youth demographic, transforming them from job seekers into job creators and pillars of the digital economy.