Over 70 young people in Kwara State have received intensive training in digital media skills and drone piloting to boost their chances of gainful employment and contribute positively to society.

The training, which held at the Kwara State Library in Ilorin and was organised by 132 Media Academy, exposed participants to camera operations, drone piloting, lighting composition, sound engineering, and video editing.

Speaking at the programme, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, Comrade Abdullateef Ahmed, urged the trainees to apply their new skills responsibly. He noted that while digital platforms have become powerful tools, misuse could harm the nation’s interest.

“Use these skills to correct the ills in society and not to promote falsehood. The knowledge you have gained should not end with you; impact others and let it be used to shape a better future for our country,” Ahmed charged.

Also addressing the participants, the General Manager of the Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Kayode Aremu, represented by Alhaji Sikiru Azeez, stressed that the initiative would help reduce youth restiveness. “This training can open doors of employment and keep young people meaningfully engaged. Take it seriously and use it to develop yourselves,” he advised.

Mr. Oludele Ayobami, another resource person, reminded the youths that their content defines their image. “With the right skills, you can light up your world and make real impact. But be careful of what you post online; your reputation is tied to your content,” he warned.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of 132 Media Academy, Mr. Tijani Ajara, explained that the programme was designed to empower young people and give back to the society. According to him, the academy has already trained over 500 youths free of charge within and outside Kwara State.

“We are making this a yearly tradition to improve lives. Digital skills offer enormous opportunities, with a market worth over 20 trillion dollars waiting to be explored by content creators. Our youths must seize this chance to promote peace, development, and national progress,” Ajara stated.

The participants expressed excitement, noting that the training would enhance their creativity and create opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.