By Ilemobayo Odunjo
A few days ago, Ondo South Senator, Prof. Dayo Faduyile empowered over 300 constituents with information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills, along with practical training on how to turn those skills into income.
Since then, I have heard a range of reactions. Many of the trainees have taken to the media to thank our Distinguished Senator.
A few critics, however, say the empowerment was too small for a Senator of his standing.
I would gently ask those critics to look again. Perhaps the complaint comes from political rivalry, or from the memory of the old order of sharing grinding machines and freezers.
Giving out machines and vehicles is good, and it has its place, but it can not diminish the value of what the Senator has done here.
He has empowered the people’s minds, and that kind of empowerment lasts longer because the knowledge gained can never ba taken away.
I know this from my own life. In 2019, I attended a seminar on Social Media Management with my Pastor at Abeokuta.
That was where I was introduced to graphic design for the first time and today, graphic design pays more than 90% of my bills, and it got me my first official job because one day of learning changed the direction of my life.
I see the same thing beginning for these trainees, the sharp ones among them have already opened YouTube channels and are using AI to build something that will stand the test of time. Soon, they will earn from monetization, win gigs from brands, and be invited to speak on great platforms, among other opportunities.
That is why I saaid Faduyile has done something significant, something beyond the norm, and if tomorrow he decides to give out laptops or good smartphones, I am confident that these same people would not turn them into movie houses. They would make them homes for creativity.
As a people, we must begin to think differently and must learn to give honest appreciation where it is due.
I look forward to the many more great opportunities Faduyile will bring to his people.