The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative adopted by the Ogun State Government has once again yielded results, producing a new set of certified digital technicians equipped to address hardware challenges, configure modern devices, and provide top-tier technical support.

The announcement was made at the Ogun TechHub, Abeokuta, during the convocation ceremony of the pilot cohort of trainees under the free Cybersquad Training Programme, organised in partnership with Cybervilla.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cybervilla, Ifeanyi Adirika, commended the Ogun State Government for its commitment to youth empowerment through meaningful private sector collaborations.

He noted that the partnership, anchored on Governor Dapo Abiodun’s PPP-driven approach, has positioned Cybervilla as a key investor in the state’s technology ecosystem. Adirika added that the new graduates represent a network of skilled and forward-thinking digital technicians ready to redefine device repair, hardware troubleshooting, equipment installation, and technical service delivery across Nigeria, with Ogun State at the forefront.

In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on ICT, Dayo Abiodun, congratulated the graduates and highlighted that the barriers to entering the tech industry are being dismantled through inclusive training modules that open pathways to gainful employment.

He recalled that earlier this year, the Ogun State Government and Cybervilla strengthened their partnership to advance Governor Abiodun’s youth development agenda, particularly in building a digital and vocational ecosystem that supports innovation and drives the state’s digital economy.

Also speaking, the Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, congratulated the trainees, describing the initiative as a key pillar in the state’s efforts to expose young people to opportunities in technology and digital entrepreneurship.

Represented by the Director of Standard Regulations, Planning and Research at the Bureau of Information Technology (BIT), Olatundun Adekunte, Onasanya urged the graduates to become ambassadors of the programme and inspire others to embrace digital skills as a means of reducing unemployment.

Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Timilehin Ajisebutu expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government and Cybervilla for the opportunity to gain industry-relevant skills, pledging to apply the knowledge acquired during the three-month training programme productively.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the Ogun technology ecosystem have called on Governor Abiodun to establish a dedicated Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, arguing that institutional focus is crucial for transforming the state’s growing digital talent pool and infrastructure into sustainable economic growth.

The coalition, which includes technology professionals, startups, innovation hubs, and digital advocates across the state, said the absence of an ICT-focused ministry limits Ogun’s capacity to leverage federal digital initiatives and maximise opportunities under national frameworks such as the Nigeria Startup Act.