The lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency, House of Representatives, Sesi Whingan, has empowered 27 youths in the constituency through a specialised training programme on digital and social media marketing.

Seglan Pot-Balogun, the chairman, campaign committee, representing the lawmaker, made this known on Monday during the completion and certificate award ceremony.

The three-day training started on Thursday and ended on Monday in Badagry.

Mr Pot-Balogun added that the training was carried out in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

According to him, the training aims to equip participants with essential skills to navigate the modern digital economy.

“Though many of you applied for this programme online, about 27 of you are fortunate to be given this opportunity.

“I want to advise you to make good use of it.

“With your phones, you can do and learn a lot of things, you can also access information anywhere.

“This programme can be the beginning of another life journey; please concentrate and listen very well,” he said.

Bukola Agemo, director for government affairs, Badagry Chamber of Commerce, urged the beneficiaries to use the opportunity provided by the training to better their financial life.

“I want you to know that this training doesn’t end here; it is for people who are passionate about learning and growing their status.

“The lawmaker has provided a platform for you to access this knowledge, so I want you to take everything you see and learn in the course of this training very seriously,” he said.

Each of the 27 participants received a competence certificate and N65,000 as transportation allowance.

Mr Whingan also announced that the top five performers from the programme would be offered positions on his media team, reinforcing his commitment to youth development in the area.

In his remarks at the closing of the training, Wale Adesina, chairman, Sesi Whingan Foundation, said the lawmaker had consistently demonstrated that he was a man of his word by empowering the Badagry community.

According to him, Mr Whingan’s efforts to empower youths speak volumes.

Sewhude Akande, publisher of CityMood Magazine, Badagry, praised the lawmaker’s continuous efforts to uplift the lives of the constituents.

“In recent times, Whingan has brought more empowerment to Badagry than ever before.

“He is empowering minds, which is the true form of empowerment.

“Digital marketing is the soul of modern business. Believe in yourself and in the training you’ve received,” he said.

Femi Oki, a representative from SMEDAN, expressed satisfaction with the group’s performance.

“This cohort is one of the best we’ve ever trained.

“The students demonstrated commitment and excellence throughout the programme. My advice to them is simple: think big but start small,” he said.

Dr Opeyemi Oke, the training coordinator, said there was fairness in the way beneficiaries were selected.

According to him, the first person on the list is of Igbo origin which demonstrates the impartiality of the selection process.

He encouraged the participants, saying, “Believe in yourself and the training you’ve had. It will take you far”.

Mr Ayomide Whenayon, one of the participants, said the programme had helped him to know more about digital marketing.

“We should not just focus on artisanship, like fashion designing and the like; we should also focus on digital skills and technical skills.

“I would also like to appreciate the organiser of this programme for granting us the opportunity to participate,” he said.

(NAN)