The Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu has said President Bola Tinubu is backing his return to the National Assembly to ensure the passage of the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, a key legislation currently at an advanced stage in the Senate.
Salisu disclosed that the bill, which has scaled third reading, is central to Nigeria’s transition into a fully digital economy, as it seeks to overhaul obsolete legal frameworks and align them with the demands of a data-driven society.
The lawmaker spoke on Friday at the graduation of over 350 beneficiaries of a digital literacy training programme he sponsored in Ogun Central, noting that the initiative has now trained over 2,000 constituents across nine editions.
“The President wants me back in the Senate because of the importance of the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill. While society has gone digital, our laws are still largely analog. This bill will ensure that our legal system evolves in tandem with the data-driven society,” he said.
He added that international development partners, including the World Bank, are closely monitoring the bill and are poised to support Nigeria’s digital transformation once it becomes law.
“The World Bank is waiting for this bill to be signed into law to provide further assistance to Nigeria’s digital transformation. That is why the national leadership of our party and the Senate believe my return is important,” Salisu stated.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the two-week training programme, held from May 4 to May 15, 2026, was conducted in both virtual and physical formats in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency.
It was further gathered that participants were equipped with practical ICT skills and provided with laptops and other learning tools.
Salisu described the initiative as a strategic investment in human capital development, aimed at empowering youths with skills for economic self-reliance.
“I am extremely joyous because I am investing in people’s lives. This empowerment goes beyond giving out items; it equips young people with digital skills that can put food on their tables and prepare them for leadership,” he said.
He emphasised that the programme reflects his deliberate focus on education and technology, urging beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity.
“We will continue to expand this initiative. Beneficiaries should make good use of the training and never sell the laptops given to them,” he added.
Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Folashade Adeyemo, commended the senator for what she described as a transformative initiative capable of reducing unemployment among youths.
“This is a laudable project that will take many youths out of poverty. The senator has proven to be a promise keeper and a results-driven leader,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mudashir Qodir Olanrewaju, described the training as life-changing, noting that he acquired skills in website design and Microsoft PowerPoint.
“I appreciate the senator for this opportunity. The training has improved my skills and opened new opportunities for me,” he said.
He urged fellow participants to apply the knowledge gained beyond the programme, stressing that the opportunity transcends political considerations.
Other dignitaries, including political leaders and local government officials, also praised the initiative, describing it as a practical step toward youth empowerment and the growth of the digital economy in Ogun State.
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