By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Senator Shuaibu Salisu, has empowered 200 students from across tertiary institutions and youths with laptops and cash gifts, following a comprehensive digital literacy training held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Salisu, who represents Ogun Central Senatorial District, addressed the beneficiaries virtually from Kenya, where he is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 3rd Africa Forum on Cyber Security Summit. 

He urged young Nigerians to embrace leadership, continuous learning and responsible citizenship within their campuses and communities.

The laptop and cash presentation marked the conclusion of a three-day intensive ICT training designed to strengthen digital capacity among youths. 

Salisu reaffirmed his commitment to human-capital development, stressing that vocational and technology-driven empowerment remain central to his legislative agenda.

He said, “beyond physical infrastructure, I am dedicated to promoting skills that enhance individual growth. This kind of empowerment, rooted in technology is dignified and truly transformative. The knowledge you have acquired will stay with you forever.”

Participants were drawn from several institutions, including the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB); D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Ewekoro; Olabisi Onabanjo University, Abeokuta Campus; Federal College of Education, Osiele; and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. Youth leaders from both the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Ogun Central Muslim Community were also among the beneficiaries.

Salisu encouraged the trainees to put their new skills to productive use, assuring them of his continued dedication to quality representation. 

He recalled his early days as a student senator at the University of Lagos, noting that his advocacy for student welfare is rooted in personal experience and a firm belief that “education remains the bedrock of meaningful development.”

Highlighting projects already facilitated in his constituency; including the rehabilitation of the Camp–FUNAAB road, he promised to push for intervention on the deteriorating Camp–Osiele and Adatan–Obantoko–Odeda–Ibadan road.

Local leaders, including the Leader of the Odeda Legislative House, Hon. Rotimi Adeyemi; the Senator’s Chief of Staff, Oloye Fasiu Alimi; and Senior Legislative Aide, Sunkanmi Oliyide, commended Salisu’s commitment to youth development and digital empowerment.

Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude, noting that the training has equipped them to evolve from digital consumers to creators who can contribute meaningfully to their institutions and society.

Each participant received a laptop and a cash gift of ₦50,000.