The Edo State Government has intensified its digital transformation drive with the graduation of 100 residents from a specialised training in Data Analysis with Power BI. The programme, organised by the Edo State Information and Communications Technology Agency (ICTA) in partnership with Sidol Solutions Nigeria Limited and the PIP Community, held at the Agency’s Head Office in Benin City.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of ICTA, Mr. Eghosa Urhoghide, described the initiative as a strategic part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision to equip Edo people with globally relevant digital skills and position them for emerging opportunities in the technology-driven economy.

“We have a Governor who is tech-inclined and understands the value of ICT,” Urhoghide said. “The goal of these trainings is to prepare Edo people with in-demand digital skills. At ICTA, inclusivity is central to our mandate. That is why participants in this training cut across children, youths, and even older residents. The graduation ceremony, where trainees showcased their projects, is both a testimony to the programme’s success and a motivation for us to expand further.”

He expressed appreciation to Sidol Solutions and the PIP Community for their collaboration, noting that partnerships remain critical to scaling ICTA’s impact. “With more partnerships, we plan to introduce additional platforms and broaden the scope of digital skills available to citizens,” he added.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Corporate Change, Communication and Performance Management in the Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Joy Akigbe, said the State Government was not only regulating the digital space but also actively driving innovation and growth. She stressed that the administration was committed to building capacity across sectors and equipping citizens with tools to thrive in a fast-evolving global economy.

In a similar vein, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Johnathan Ukpebor, described the programme as timely and impactful. “We are in an era dominated by technology, and it is necessary to equip our people with the skills required to compete and succeed,” he stated.

Beneficiaries of the training commended the government for the opportunity, describing the experience as a career-defining eye-opener with long-term benefits. Many participants expressed gratitude to the State Government and its partners for what they termed a life-changing initiative.

The highlight of the graduation ceremony was a hackathon competition, where outstanding trainees were rewarded with cash prizes—further underscoring the government’s commitment to nurturing innovation, creativity, and digital excellence among Edo residents.