Hon. Philip Agbese Prioritizes Empowerment Through ICT in Benue Federal Constituency

By Iyojo Ameh

The Honourable Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. (Dr.) Philip Agbese, has reiterated his commitment to the empowerment of his constituents, emphasizing that equipping them with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills is at the forefront of his agenda.

Speaking at the ongoing vocational training program in Otukpo, Hon.

Agbese highlighted the importance of bridging the digital divide through ICT education. He noted that the world is increasingly reliant on technology, and it is essential for his constituency to gain the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

The training program, which focuses on IT skill development, is designed to provide participants with practical knowledge in key areas such as software applications, hardware maintenance, and digital literacy. According to Hon. Agbese, the initiative will help beneficiaries become more competitive in today’s job market and increase their capacity for entrepreneurship within the technology sector.

The first batch of the training consists of 60 beneficiaries, all of whom were provided with laptops by the Honourable Member to ensure they have the tools required for continued learning and practice. Additionally, participants received support for transportation logistics, demonstrating Hon. Agbese’s holistic approach to empowerment.

“This initiative is not just about giving people skills, but about preparing them for a future where ICT will drive many industries and create countless opportunities,” Hon. Agbese said. He stressed that ICT is a powerful tool for economic transformation, especially in rural communities where access to such knowledge has traditionally been limited.

Hon. Agbese expressed his hope that this program would inspire other leaders to invest in ICT and skill development as a pathway to sustainable development. By fostering digital literacy in his constituency, he believes the region can take advantage of the global shift toward technology-driven economies and create jobs in areas such as e-commerce, digital marketing, and tech entrepreneurship.

The vocational training in Otukpo is expected to continue with more batches in the coming months, further expanding the reach of the program and making ICT knowledge accessible to a broader segment of the constituency.