Eromona Michael, widely known as Sir Mikky, the Creative Director of INN-Nigeria and INN-Africa Magazine, has commended the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his strategic and people-oriented leadership in deploying digital training initiatives targeted at empowering entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals in rural communities of Lagos State.
Speaking on July 19, 2025, following the conclusion of the second edition of the state-wide digital training program held in Epe, Eromona described the initiative as “a groundbreaking move that reflects the governor’s inclusive governance model and commitment to sustainable development across all regions of Lagos.”
The digital training, organised by the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), under the Lagos State Office of Rural Development, is part of the government’s broader efforts to support innovation and drive economic growth at the grassroots level.
The program was designed to equip residents, particularly youths and small business owners, with essential knowledge in branding, marketing, and social media integration — critical tools for business visibility and scalability in today’s digital-first economy.
Eromona emphasized that this move is timely, especially in an era where digital skills determine business success and community advancement.
According to him, “This is not just a training; it is a bridge to economic liberation for rural dwellers who have long been left behind in the tech revolution.”
The first edition of the training, which took place in Ikorodu in January 2025, laid the foundation for what is now becoming a strategic blueprint for rural development through digital empowerment.
With the second edition successfully held in Epe, Eromona Michael noted that the momentum gained should be sustained and expanded to other localities like Badagry, Ibeju-Lekki, Alimosho, and other underserved areas.
In his remarks, Eromona specially praised the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, for his foresight, strategic planning, and grassroots engagement, which have been instrumental in the rollout and execution of the training initiative.
He said, “Dr. Agbaje’s leadership has been pivotal in transforming the rural development landscape. His hands-on approach to ensuring that real impact is felt in the lives of residents is commendable.”
He also expressed deep gratitude to Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, for her unwavering support and commitment to advancing digital literacy at the grassroots level.
“Her role in supervising and guiding the administrative arm of this initiative cannot be overstated. She is indeed a silent achiever,” Eromona added.
Furthermore, he lauded Mr. Musibau Muyiwa Balogun, the Director of CERUD, for his technical leadership and professional coordination in executing the digital training sessions.
According to him, “Mr. Balogun ensured that every aspect of the training was tailored to the needs of the participants, from practical sessions on mobile branding tools to audience targeting through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp Business.”
Participants of the Epe training program expressed enthusiasm and appreciation, describing the sessions as highly interactive, practical, and transformative.
Many of them revealed that the knowledge gained would enable them to start or grow their businesses, especially in areas like agricultural product marketing, fashion, catering, event planning, and other small-scale enterprises.
Eromona concluded his remarks by encouraging the Lagos State Government to institutionalize the training into a recurring program and integrate it into the state’s long-term rural development policy.
He also suggested the inclusion of mentorship and post-training support for participants to help them translate acquired knowledge into viable ventures.
“In this digital age, knowledge is capital. By bringing digital literacy to rural areas, the Sanwo-Olu administration is not only bridging the urban-rural divide but is laying the groundwork for inclusive prosperity. This is visionary governance at work,” Eromona stated.
The digital training initiative is part of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s broader commitment to the THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly under “E” for Economic Development and “S” for Social Inclusion, ensuring that no community, regardless of location, is left behind in the march towards a more prosperous Lagos.
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