W²O Foundation Targets Digital Future, Launches AI, Leadership Training for Bariga Youths

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The W²O Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has launched its Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Programme in Bariga/Shomolu, aimed at equipping young people with critical digital and leadership skills for a technology-driven future.

The programme, held at the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Hall, focused on empowering youths with practical knowledge in artificial intelligence, leadership development and innovation, while also promoting access to quality education.

Former Chairman of Bariga LCDA, Mr. David Alabi, who served as keynote speaker, facilitated the award of scholarships to outstanding students as part of the empowerment initiative. He commended the Foundation for introducing the programme, noting that access to technology and quality education could significantly transform the future of young people.

Alabi said the initiative underscored a strong commitment to gender equality, improved health outcomes and increased economic participation, enabling youths to contribute meaningfully to building inclusive, informed and sustainable communities.

“This is a laudable initiative that will go a long way in helping these young people become innovative leaders and problem-solvers, especially in a fast-changing world,” he said.

He further reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to community engagement, advocacy and social development, aimed at fostering an equitable society by equipping youths with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to thrive in leadership, decision-making, health and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the event, President of the W²O Foundation, Dr. Wonu Okunnu, said the AI education programme aligned with the organisation’s mission to empower young people with tools required to succeed in leadership, decision-making and entrepreneurship.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Education on STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) and Corporate Sector Engagement, Dr. Adetola Salau, lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and critical to preparing Nigerian youths for emerging global opportunities.

The event was organised in partnership with the Chairperson of Bariga LCDA, Mrs. Bukola Adedeji, and the Chairman of Shomolu Local Government Area, Mr. Lateef Ashimi, both of whom expressed support for technology-driven educational development at the grassroots.

Organisers explained that the programme was designed to strengthen AI-enabled competencies among students, giving them a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving digital economy where technological literacy is increasingly essential.

Over 150 students from four secondary schools— Igbobi Junior High School, Eva Adelaja Girls Senior High School, Shomolu Senior High School and Lanre Awolokun Senior High School—participated in the programme.

The event featured exhibitions of student projects developed during earlier training sessions in their respective schools, showcasing creativity, innovation and a practical understanding of how AI tools can be applied to solve community-based challenges.

Participating schools received gifts, including laptops, while Alabi awarded scholarships to three students from each school and pledged continued support for sustained technological training across Bariga and Shomolu.

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Officials of the Foundation described the initiative as a significant step toward building a generation of digitally empowered young leaders capable of thriving in Nigeria’s emerging innovation ecosystem.

Notable panelists at the event included Dr. Titi Gbadamosi, Presidential Youth Initiatives Adviser and AI expert, and Dr. Falilat Raheem, among others.