Ilorin TechYouth Empowerment: Building the Future of Tech Innovation and Independence

In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, technology is at the forefront of innovation, driving change in every sector. Yet, as technology advances, so does the need for young individuals to be equipped with the necessary skills to navigate this transformation. It was this understanding that birthed the Ilorin TechYouth Empowerment event, a three-day initiative designed to give the youth of Ilorin the tools to shape their futures through technology. This event, which ran from October 1st to 3rd, 2024, was a unique opportunity for participants to dive deep into data analytics and application development, laying the groundwork for future tech leaders.

The Visionary Behind the Event: Mr. Olajide Idowu

At the helm of this transformative program was Mr. Olajide Idowu, a Microsoft MVP on Data Platform. Driven by a passion for empowering youth and an unrelenting belief in the potential of Nigeria’s tech landscape, Mr. Idowu and his team of seasoned professionals took it upon themselves to provide practical, hands-on training to a diverse group of participants. From students to professionals, the event was open to anyone eager to learn and develop their tech skills. The event’s structure and depth reflected Mr. Idowu’s core belief: that empowering the youth today will create the independent, tech-driven Nigeria of tomorrow.

The Powerhouse Team of Experts

Backing Mr. Idowu’s mission was a stellar team of facilitators, each an expert in their respective field. This team ensured that the participants received high-level guidance and training throughout the event. The experts included:

– Mr. Ayodeji Folarin: Microsoft MVP on Data Platform.
– Mr. Oluwaseyi Oluwawumiju: Microsoft MVP on Cloud Platform.
– Mr. Olusegun Odunigba: Power Platform Functional Consultant.
– Mr. Chukwutem Ossai: Microsoft Certified Trainer.
– Mr. Dosumu Temitope: Data Analyst and Graphics Designer.
– Mr. Happiness Samuel: Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador.
– Mr. Joshua Ogunlade: Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador.
– Miss Flourish Faleye: Digital Marketer and Social Media Manager.

This diverse team provided participants with the insights, guidance, and support needed to get the most out of the three-day training.

Day 1: The Start of a New Journey

The program began on October 1st, 2024, a day of double significance as Nigeria celebrated its Independence Day. For the nearly 100 participants in attendance, the event was more than just a tech workshop; it was an opportunity to gain the skills that would enable them to achieve personal and professional independence in a digital world. This connection to the nation’s larger celebration of independence was not lost on the participants, who quickly realized the parallels between national freedom and the empowerment that comes with acquiring tech skills.

The day started with a welcome address by the convener, Mr. Olajide Idowu, who spoke about the importance of self-reliance in today’s digital age. Afterward, participants were divided into two groups, or “stacks”: the Application Development stack and the Data Analysis stack. Each stack was designed to cover in-depth courses that would provide the participants with practical, marketable skills.

The Application Development stack, led by Mr. Ayodeji Folarin and Mr. Oluwaseyi Oluwawumiju, covered crucial Microsoft tools, including Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Forms, Power Apps, Power Automate, and List. These tools are central to modern workplace solutions and gave participants a comprehensive understanding of how to build applications that streamline processes, improve collaboration, and drive business outcomes.

The Data Analysis stack, led by Mr. Olajide Idowu, focused on data manipulation and visualization, covering Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power BI, and SQL. The participants in this track learned how to analyze data effectively, create interactive dashboards, and leverage SQL for querying databases, all of which are critical skills for any data analyst today.

By the end of Day 1, the participants had already begun to unlock new potential in themselves, excited by the depth of knowledge they were gaining and the relevance of the tools they were working with.

Day 2: Expanding Horizons Beyond Tech Skills

Day 2 was a day of both technical and personal growth. The morning session featured a soft skills workshop on time management led by Dr. Rufus Fatunbi. He emphasized that while technical skills are important, the ability to manage time effectively is just as crucial for long-term success. The session was highly interactive, with participants asking questions about their personal challenges, and Dr. Fatunbi offering practical advice on how to structure their time for maximum productivity.

Following the soft skills session, a fun and competitive Kahoot game was organized by Mr. Dosumu Temitope, a Data Analyst and Graphics Designer. The game, designed to test the participants’ knowledge and problem-solving skills, added a lighthearted break from the intense learning sessions. The top three winners walked away with exciting prizes, further fueling the participants’ enthusiasm for the event.

After the game, the participants returned to their respective tracks for more technical training. In the Application Development stack, Mr. Olusegun Odunigba took the lead, guiding participants through advanced concepts in Power Apps and Power Automate. The goal was to teach participants how to create dynamic applications and automate workflows—skills that are highly sought after in the modern business world.

Meanwhile, in the Data Analysis stack, Mr. Olajide Idowu and Mr. Ayodeji Folarin took participants through more complex data analysis techniques using Microsoft Power BI and SQL. By the end of Day 2, participants in both stacks had a solid foundation in their chosen fields, with a deeper understanding of the practical applications of the tools they had learned.

The day concluded with an inspiring visit from Evangelist E. T. Akeredolu, Chairman of the Ilorin District Coordinating Council and a representative of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, which served as the event venue. Evangelist Akeredolu expressed his appreciation to the organizers for bringing such an impactful program to Ilorin and urged the youth to take full advantage of the knowledge being shared.

Day 3: A Glimpse Into the Future

The final day of the Ilorin TechYouth Empowerment event was all about preparing participants for the next steps in their careers. The day began with a career advancement session led by Mr. Oluwaseyi Oluwawumiju, who shared insights on how to leverage the skills learned during the event to advance in the tech industry. Mr. Oluwawumiju spoke about how to build a strong portfolio, market oneself effectively, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing tech landscape. His session also covered the importance of continuous learning, as the tech industry is ever-evolving, and staying ahead requires constant upskilling.

One of the highlights of the day was the announcement of two grand prizes: laptops for two outstanding participants, one from the Application Development stack and one from the Data Analysis stack. However, the event’s host took a moment to remind the participants that while winning a laptop was a significant achievement, the real prize lay in the skills they had acquired over the past three days. The laptops were tools to help them continue their learning journey, but the knowledge they had gained was the key to their future success.

Finally, the winners of the laptops were announced to the cheers of their fellow participants, marking the end of a truly transformative three days.

A Program that Embodied True Independence

The Ilorin TechYouth Empowerment event resonated deeply with the spirit of Nigeria’s Independence Day. Just as the country gained its independence through a collective effort to shape its own future, the participants of this event were empowered with the skills and knowledge to shape their own destinies in the tech world. The event was a testament to the power of youth empowerment, highlighting the fact that true independence is achieved through knowledge, self-reliance, and the ability to innovate.

The three-day event successfully equipped participants with marketable skills in Application Development and Data Analysis, preparing them for the demands of the modern digital economy. As they left the venue at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, there was a shared sense of excitement and optimism about the future.

For more information about the organizers and upcoming programs, visit (jirehcomputers.com).

The Ilorin TechYouth Empowerment event was more than just a workshop; it was a platform for lasting change, offering participants the opportunity to gain the skills and independence needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. With leaders like Mr. Olajide Idowu and his team at the helm, the future of technology in Ilorin—and Nigeria as a whole—looks brighter than ever.