On Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, Honourable Tokoni Peter Igoin, officially flagged off a transformative digital skills training program for youths in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital.
The initiative aims to equip 2000 youths with essential digital competencies, enhance cyber security nationwide, and unlock the potential of our youth and create a digitally inclusive, secure future for all.
The event featured essential speeches by ICT experts who took turns in orienting the shortlisted beneficiaries on the digital training tools adopted for the programme, as well as the distribution of essential products to support them during the program.
The groundbreaking occasion reflected Hon. Tokoni’s commitment to advancing President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, aimed at fostering a technology-enabled economy, sustainable youth development, enhanced security and equitable future for Nigeria youth.
In his remarks, Hon. Tokoni Peter Igoin, the Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, pledged to expand the program beyond 2000 beneficiaries. He noted that the program is designed to enhance tech skills and youth employability in the region.
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Tokoni said that the training is in line with President Tinubu’s digital economy vision to build a digitally inclusive and economically empowered society. Saying the programme aims to equip the youth with the necessary digital skills to compete in the 21th-century digital ecosystem.
“This initiative is in line with the broader vision of President Tinubu to equip the youth with specialised technology skills to foster creativity, employment and innovation and most especially to drive the economic growth of the state, region and country,” he said.
Monday Emmanuel Pereowei, the chairman of the planing committee, in his remark asserted that the initiative have the potential to open doors for many young people in the digital ecosystem. While revealing that the training will cover areas such as coding, digital marketing, data analytics, web development and cybersecurity, he announced that December 1st 2024, is the official commencement date for the training session.
Mr Pereowei further disclosed that the ICT training schedule is outlined to provide only virtual sessions, stating that the 2000 participants will be grouped into three batches and each grouping would undergo a one month exercise, with all spanning three months.
Speaking further, Pereowei said that the office of the Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation is serious about delivering the aim of the project. Hence, he said; “We are not just training and thereafter leaving them to their fate. No, this is a serious and sustainable project. So upon the successful completion of the programme, each participant will receive starter packs at the closing event at Abuja, the Nation’s capital, in addition to globally acceptable certifications that adhere to international standards to equip participants with competitive qualifications.”
Earlier in their separate speeches, the CEO of PalmPay Nigeria and COO of Downtown, emphasised the need for young people to embrace technology for their future as it can help them in diverse ways, including career opportunities, education, research, self-discovery, financial stability, etc.
Mr. Chika Nwosu, CEO of PalmPay Nigeria, examining the company’s financial reports for the year 2023, emphasised that the opportunities in tech particularly fintech are boundless, while urging the youthful participants to embrace technology as a means to addressing the high rate of unemployment in the country.
On his part, the COO of Downtown, Mr Chinene Chinn, said there was a technological skill gap in Nigeria and only those that were ready to develop the needed digital skills could operate in those spaces. He admonished the participants to discipline themselves in their career journey to get the best out of the opportunity.
Hon. Alfred Kemepado, the Commissioner for Youth Development Bayelsa State, in his brief address, lauded Hon. Tokoni Peter Igoin, the Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation for availing Bayelsa State the great opportunity to host the flag-off and be the focus of the digital skills training programme. He said the Bayelsa State Government has adopted a digital transformation strategy which the youth ministry has conformed to in line with government vision.
Mr Alfred encouraged the participants to leverage the opportunities to bring about the needed change in their respective communities. Speaking further, he stressed the need for youths to equip themselves with digital skills and knowledge. Adding that such skills are needed to navigate the digital landscape and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
The well attended event had also in attendance policy makers, security experts, youth groups & leaders and media executives. The event supported by PalmPay and Downtown, was held at the Perdis Hotel Event Centre in Akenfa Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
