The Ebonyi State government has launched a comprehensive free training programmes for 5,000 youth.
The initiative, part of the State Digital Skill Youth Development programme, was inaugurated by the First Lady, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudaline Nwifuru, in collaboration with the office of the First Lady and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) office in Ebonyi State.
The training is facilitated by “GetBundi,” a key partner in this transformative project.
During the launch event at Station Urban Primary School in Abakaliki, Nwifuru urged the youth to shun social vices and embrace the opportunities presented by digitalization.
She emphasized the importance of utilizing every opportunity for self-advancement and better living through the acquisition of digital skills.
“This initiative is crucial in our journey towards digitalization, youth development, and empowerment. In today’s world, digital skills are no longer a luxury but a necessity,” Mrs. Nwifuru stated. “The rapid advancement in technology has changed the way we live, work, trade, and interact with one another. To remain competitive and relevant in society, you must possess these digital skills.”
Nwifuru highlighted the potential for youths to secure employment even while still in university, thereby eliminating the long wait for white-collar jobs post-graduation. She stressed that the digital world offers vast opportunities for those equipped with the right skills.
“With these skills, the hurdles of unemployment in Nigeria can be overcome. You can gain a lot from the digital world. Imagine, the iPhone producers claim we are only using five percent of the phone’s features. It’s time to make good use of every opportunity before us in digitalization.”
The First Lady commended the SDG Focal Person, Engr. Mrs. Esther Nwogha, GetBundi, and the BERWO Foundation for their efforts in equipping the youth with digital skills.
“Together, we are creating a brighter future for our people. The skills you acquire here will empower you to be the architect of your own destiny. My foundation, BERWO, will continue to support the youths of Ebonyi State to attain greater heights.”
On behalf of her husband, Governor Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Mrs. Nwifuru reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the development and empowerment of the people.
“The Ebonyi State-sponsored Digital Development Program is just one of the many initiatives we undertake to ensure that our state remains at the forefront of progress and prosperity.”
Esther Nwogha, the Focal Person for Ebonyi SDGs, noted that the four-month online training would cover core areas including digital marketing, cybersecurity, video editing, and graphic design.
She assured participants that mastering these skills would significantly improve their personal and professional trajectories, as well as the overall development of the state.
Osita Okparaugo, the leader of the partnering group GetBundi, expressed optimism about the digitalization process in South-Eastern Nigeria. He noted that Ebonyi and Abia states are the pilot states for this initiative and projected that in ten years, the world would be fully digitalized.
