The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reaffirmed that his government will train over 15,000 software engineers and programmers as well as other tech talents in a bid to reposition the state as Africa’s software engineering hub.
The governor said the move is part of efforts to build the next generation of tech leaders and empower Edo youths to tap into the growing demand for tech talent globally.
Obaseki, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, said the state is ready for digital transformation in e-commerce as the government has put in place infrastructure and systems to achieve a globally competitive digital economy enabled by technology.
The governor said the government has launched the Edo Tech Park, a silicon-valley-styled technology hub that would train the 15,000 software engineers and link them with high-paying in-demand technology jobs from around the world.
Obaseki noted that “the goal of his administration is to train nothing less than 15, 000 software engineers and programmers over the next few years.”
Governor Obaseki also promised to continue to pursue policies and programmes to enhance digital transformation for businesses in the state with a view to increasing their competitive advantage, improving performance and boosting growth.
Noting that the government has invested in infrastructure including stable electricity and broadband internet connectivity to enhance digital transformation, Obaseki queried, “What are the critical factors required for successful digital transformation, which leads to things like e-commerce?
“First is electricity. We are building electricity infrastructure and thinking about closed networks in other parts of the state.”
“The second critical factor is people; training the people to think technology and use technology to do the things they need to do,” he added.
