Silicon Valley, Wikipedia says, is a region in Northern California, United States, known for its prominence in the high technology and innovation industries. It is a global hub for high-tech corporations, including numerous Fortune 1000 companies and a multitude of startup ventures. It is recognised for its pivotal role in the development of significant technologies, such as the silicon-based integrated circuit, microprocessor, and microcomputer.
The region employs approximately 500,000 information technology workers as of 2021.
He made the disclosure during an interview with journalists in Ibadan, after the launch of ‘Workspace Happy Hour’ series by his company, FOUND NG, which is a Google partner, in collaboration with Cafe One. The programme also had in attendance Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Information Communication Technology (ICT), Moshope Adebayo Akande.
According to Aboderin, as a trusted partner of Google, FOUND NG would utilise its relationship with the tech giant to promote the use of Google Workspace, a comprehensive suite of cloud-based tools that streamline productivity, foster collaboration, and facilitate effective communication and document management.
The tech company, he stated further, is in talks with the Oyo State Government for a partnership towards training 20,000 youth in the state to acquire digital skills over the next 24 months.
He added that the training programme aims to equip small and medium business owners, as well as individuals, with essential tools to enhance productivity and improve business processes.
Aboderin stated that one of the proposals to the state government “is to train 20,000 youth in Oyo State over the next 24 months. Youth is not just about young people. They are people between 18 years and 45 years. We want to train as many as possible over the next few months . This shall be a partnership that we will sign with the government and Google. Our dream is to make Oyo State, and Ibadan in particular, the next Silicon Valley of Africa.”
He stated further, “Today, we are here in partnership with Café One and Sterling Bank. We have the full support of Google. Google is ready to provide training resource. This is what we are going to the market place with. We are not only going to partner with Google alone, we shall also partner with Microsoft and Amazon of this world with a view to bringing technology to local communities in Nigeria and Africa at large.
“We are starting in Oyo State because it is known to be the pace setter state, and FOUND NG is starting its community development programme in Oyo State. We want Oyo State to be the first state to have digital penetration on Oyo Identity Management programme.”
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Information Communication Technology (ICT), Moshope Adebayo Akande, in his remarks during the programme, commended FOUND NG for its commendable initiative and commitment to the growth and development of both the youth and the government. He emphasised the alignment between the vision of FOUND NG and the state’s focus on e-governance and digital transformation, which have already yielded positive outcomes.
Akande expressed the state’s enthusiasm in partnering with forward-thinking organisations like FOUND NG, praising the potential of the Workspace Happy Hour initiative to transform, not only Oyo State, but also Nigeria as a whole. He highlighted the benefits for youth interested in pursuing careers in the digital tech industry and affirmed the government’s support for such progressive collaborations.
“As a result, we are eager to partner with forward thinking organisations like FOUND NG for the progress and advancement of Oyo State. The Workspace Happy Hour, launched by FOUND NG in partnership with Café One and other partners, has the potential to transform the state and Nigeria as a whole,” Akande said.
