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Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has expressed his determination to transform the state into a hub of technological innovation through the “Catch Them Young” initiative. The governor expressed satisfaction with the growing interest and success of young Kwarans in the tech space at the just-concluded Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme (KCDLP) held in Ilorin. The event, themed Kwara Futures: Empowering a Digitally Ready Generation, was organised by the Office of the Special Assistant (S.A.) to the Governor on Digital Innovation, Hon. Kayode Ishola. Governor AbdulRazaq said the government remains committed to positioning Kwara on the global map through seamless collaboration with international tech accelerators and access to cross-border funding opportunities. ALSO READ: CSOs hail FG over 15% tariff on fuel importation “Our administration is unwavering in its commitment to transform Kwara into a beacon of technological excellence and empower our youth to lead the digital revolution. “By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure and fostering a supportive ecosystem, we are equipping our brilliant young techies with the tools to turn bold ideas into global realities. “For the first time in our state’s history, Kwara is etching its name on the world map of digital startups, thanks to the innovative spirit of our entrepreneurs and the strategic policies we’ve implemented,” he said. In his welcome address, the governor’s aide described AbdulRazaq as “the architect of a new digital Kwara,” noting that the gathering was more than a technology showcase. “It is a testament to visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and the limitless potential of our young people. It tells the story of how one idea, anchored in foresight and equity, is transforming education, innovation, and human capital in Kwara State,” he stated. He recalled that when the governor approved the pilot phase of the Coding and Digital Literacy Programme in 2024, it was not merely an educational experiment but a strategic intervention to prepare children for a digital economy. “He envisioned a Kwara where every child, regardless of background or geography, can learn, create, and compete globally. That vision — that digital literacy is the new basic literacy — continues to guide our journey today,” he added. According to him, the KCDLP has evolved into a national model of innovation and inclusion, training 5,604 students across 50 public schools in all 16 local government areas. “We have engaged over 120 instructors, including NYSC members, trained teachers, and digital volunteers, and introduced coding, robotics, innovative thinking, and digital design to thousands of students,” he said. Beyond the data, Ishola highlighted stories of transformation, noting that students in Baruten, Igbaja, and Ifelodun now design animations and simple apps. “Girls from Bishop Smith Memorial College, Ilorin, developed a learning app for the visually impaired,” he said, adding that: “In Ajase-Ipo, training is hosted at the ENACT Innovation Hub, a facility established through partnership and shared vision. “A team of our students also emerged winners of the 2025 Kids Innovation Challenge, developing the AgriTech Mini Dashboard — a smart agriculture solution now gaining national attention.” He further outlined the mission of his office, which includes expanding the programme to 100 schools and 10,000 students by mid-2026, establishing Innovation Learning Centres across senatorial districts, training more teachers under the proposed Digital Educators Fellowship, and launching “Girls Code Kwara” — a focused initiative aimed at increasing female participation in tech to 60 per cent by 2026. Meanwhile, no fewer than ten schools made project presentations focusing on the design and development of Smart School Attendance Systems, a Universal Report Card Generator, Weather Forecast Applications, a Python-Based Banking Simulation Project, the Expense Visualizer, a Web Dictionary App, and the Igbaja Farm Expense Tracker (IFET) App. United Junior Secondary School, Ilorin, emerged overall winner with the highest points, earning a cash prize of ₦1 million. Ilorin Grammar School (IGS), Ilorin, received ₦500,000 as first runner-up, while Government Girls’ Day Secondary School, Pakata, clinched the second runner-up position with ₦250,000. Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, said the government had paid more attention to the education sector than any recent administration in the state, adding that the programme was designed to give young people a fair chance to thrive in the new economy. Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bola Olukoju, affirmed that the governor is passionate about advancing education and innovation. Similarly, the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, commended the government for its commitment to securing the future of students. Also speaking, Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, lauded the governor for his drive to make public schools a hub of digital literacy. Funmilayo Obi of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) commended the governor for believing in young people and for “planting seeds of innovation that are fast becoming a forest of progress.” NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
