From Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN), a non-governmental organisation and Social enterprise, has trained no fewer than thirty youths in Sokoto State on Information, Communication Technology (ICT) tools.
The 10-week free training was organised under its Life Skills, ICTs, Financial Readiness, and Entrepreneurship (LIFE) scheme, in partnership with Greenmedia Digital Academy, Sokoto.
Addressing the graduates during the orientation ceremony, LIFE Program Officer, Mr. Ihueze Nwobilor, said the program was designed to improve the lives of youths living within underserved communities across the African continent.
He noted that the free ICT training implemented in Sokoto State would expose the youths to various digital skills as well as making them self-reliant and benefit their immediate communities.
According to him, “it is a digital inclusion program that addresses the digital skills gap that exists among young people living in under-served communities. This is the first cohort of the program and we will ensure that more underserved youth are enrol into the program in the state.”
Nwobilor also said the Paradigm Initiative would continue to work with relevant stakeholders in Sokoto state, in connecting underserved youth with digital skills and exposing them to similar ICT opportunities around the globe.
He, however, congratulated the trained youths and urged them to leverage on the skills acquired in benefiting themselves and their communities.
Nwobilor commended the Greenmedia team for working with Paradigm Initiative in leading efforts to bridge the digital skills gap existing in the state.
Earlier, Executive Director of the Academy, Prince Tunde Omolehin, said the graduating students are the first cohort of Life Legacy Program in the state.
He explained that over sixty applicants were onboarded at the beginning of the program but only thirty were able to complete the training successfully.
“These successful students have been trained in various ICT tools such as graphic design, web development, Google productivity tools and digital marketing, and they will march with various organisations for their 6-month internships,” he disclosed.
He however promised that his organisation will continue to leverage on the potential of the digital ecosystem in Sokoto state.
Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Sokoto State, Hajia Rakiya A. Muhammad, who chaired the occasion, commended the Paradigm Initiative and its partner for supporting youths in Sokoto state to acquire relevant technology and entrepreneurial skills for free.
She charged the students to use the skills gained for the betterment of themselves and their immediate communities.
Also speaking, Sokoto-based Media Entrepreneur, Alhaji Fatai Salami, underscored the importance of skill acquisition in today’s world. He, however, tasked the trained youths to improve on the skills learnt.
On this part, District Head, Gagi Community, HRH Sani Umar Jabbi, said the community is willing to partner with any organisation that would empower youths in all ramifications.
“We are happy to see organisations identify with youths in Sokoto state, by giving them free vocational training in ICT. This is a welcome development,” The monarch said.
In his closing remarks, Director of Program, Greenmedia Digital Academy, Mr. Jerry Ameh, thanked the Paradigm Initiative for believing in the academy.
He noted that the academy is proud to create a community of young people, who desire in using ICT tools to be self-reliant and benefit their immediate community.
“For us at Greenmedia, we are determined in growing the number of intelligent youths, who are committed to making society flourish. We look forward to achieving a lot more of that through support from Paradigm Initiative Nigeria,” Mr. Ameh said.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards of recognition to the four best-graduating students with various cash prizes sponsored by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).