460 Niger youths equipped with digital skills

No fewer than 460 indigent youths, women, physically challenged and the vulnerable in Niger State have been trained by Ubelle Nigeria Limited/Neo Cloud Technologies Consortium on digital skills.

Managing Director of the firm, Dr Ali Johnson Onoja, gave the hint at the graduation of the digital skill training and inauguration of an internship business pitching programme in Suleja council area of the state at the weekend.

He explained that the training, which included digital marketing, data analysis and cyber security, was executed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education under its Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) project.

Onoja said the beneficiaries were selected from from the more than 900 young people who indicated interest when the programme began last December.

He added that the trainees have been equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in the digital age.

Onoja recalled that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, launched the World Bank-supported IDEAS project to enhance the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.

According to him, “this initiative was aimed to improve skills acquisition by involving industry stakeholders and attracting private sector resources to the formal training system, adding that the programme focuses on inclusivity, welcoming individuals of all genders, backgrounds, and physical abilities.”

“It aims to provide participants with holistic preparation for entry-level job opportunities through hands-on training and internships aligned with industry standards.”

He explained that the trainers have obtained various certificates in the basic, intermediary and advanced categories from internationally recognised certification bodies.

Earlier in his remarks, the Emir of Suleja, Mallam Muhammad Awwal Ibrahim, represented by Alhaji Dalhatu Adamu, Makama Zazzau, Suleja and District Head of Magajiya, commended the organisers for bringing the programme to his domain.

He appealed to other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and philanthropists to bring more of such programmes to his emirate.

The monarch urged the beneficiaries to judiciously use the skills acquired for themselves and for the benefit of others in the society.

He warned them against deploying the skills for criminal activities in the cyber space that would endanger their lives.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Olarinoye Shedrack, commended the organisers for the opportunity.

He promised that they would use the skills to improve their lives and support the socio-economic development of Niger State and the country at large.