OKL Launches Free Digital Skills Scholarships for 1,000 Lagos Central Youths, Pledges New Approach to Leadership

Olumide Kola-Lawal (OKL), an aspirant for the Lagos Central Senatorial seat, has launched a major youth empowerment initiative that will provide free enrolment and 100 percent scholarships to 1,000 young people across the district for internationally relevant Information Technology and Vocational (ITV) courses.

The initiative was announced on March 11 during a Ramadan lecture themed “Ramadan and the Role of Youths in Building a Moral and United Society,” organized by the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Surulere branch, at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hall.

Speaking as the special guest of the event, Kola-Lawal used the platform to outline what he described as a new model of politics centered on opportunity creation, innovation, and people-driven solutions.

“My priority is connecting the grassroots to global opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs,” he said. “I remain confident that bold, people-centered ideas can still drive meaningful change.”
Building Pathways from Lagos to the Global Economy

The scholarship scheme, which represents the first phase of a broader youth development strategy, will train participants in high-demand digital skills in partnership with the London Til Career Institute, an international career and professional development institution focused on career acceleration, innovation, and smart school technology.

Participants will receive training and certification in areas such as:

• Software development
• UI/UX design
• Data analysis
• Cybersecurity
• Digital marketing
• Photo and media editing

The program is designed not only to equip young people with employable skills but also to create sustainable income opportunities and foster entrepreneurship within Lagos Central.

A Different Kind of Political Vision
Kola-Lawal, a globally exposed professional, emphasized that his approach to public service will focus on leveraging international networks and private-sector partnerships to create real economic pathways for constituents.

According to him, the initiative reflects a belief that leadership must move beyond campaign promises to deliver practical, scalable solutions for youth employment and innovation.

By equipping young residents with globally relevant digital skills, he said the program could produce a multiplier effect across the local economy, increasing earnings potential and supporting new business creation throughout Lagos State.

Youth at the Center of Development
Addressing the audience of young participants and community leaders, Kola-Lawal noted that the future of Lagos depends heavily on empowering its youth population with the right tools for the modern economy.

He said the scholarship initiative is intended to bridge the opportunity gap between local talent and global digital markets, positioning Lagos Central as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial activity.

For many attendees at the event, the announcement signaled what supporters describe as a forward-looking and solutions-driven style of leadership—one that blends global exposure with grassroots engagement.

As the political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle begins to take shape, Kola-Lawal’s initiative is likely to resonate with a growing constituency of young voters seeking practical opportunities rather than traditional political rhetoric.