The Kwara State Government has further solidified its position as a national leader in digital transformation with the official launch of the Project 774: Digital Capacity Training at the Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat in Share.
The initiative, which aligns with the Federal Government’s local government autonomy drive, aims to establish dedicated ICT departments within every local government area (LGA) to enhance administrative efficiency and transparency.
Delivering the keynote address, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Innovation, Hon. Ishola Kayode, conveyed the greetings of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON. He emphasized that Kwara remains the only state in the federation currently implementing this specific grassroots digital program.
Highlighting the journey that began with the provision of internet connectivity in 2024, Hon. Kayode noted that the current 12-week training is designed to unlock international opportunities for local personnel. Regarding the sustainability of the project, he stated:
“The Governor has given his best commitment to making it work. After we are done, we will pick the best 5 or 10 trainees for an upgrade training. These personnel will be trained to be the dedicated ICT team of the local government.
These pioneer trainees will be the frontline in implementing the digital drive in their locality.”
In his response, the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Femi Yusuf, lauded the initiative as a transformative step toward modernization. He stressed that the training is a cornerstone of his administration’s goal to transition the LGA into a paperless and digitally compliant entity.
Expressing his profound gratitude to the Governor, whom he described as the “Atunluse of Kwara State,” Hon. Yusuf remarked:
“This will help in transitioning to paperless administration. It is the first step of building a digitally compliant local government in Kwara. The Governor is not only paying salaries; he is building the future of the workforce. He has turned the fortune of Kwara for the best. The world has become a global one; we should not be behind.”
The Chairman further pledged that the program would not be a “one-off” event, promising continuous training for both staff and indigenes to ensure a sustainable knowledge ecosystem. He officially declared the training open, assuring the state team of all necessary support to achieve the program’s objectives.
With the rollout in Ifelodun, Kwara State continues to set the pace for digital inclusion, ensuring that the benefits of the global digital economy reach the furthest corners of the state.