By Samuel Ogude
Tompolo Foundation in partnership with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and PEB ICT have trained 100 young Deltans in market-relevant information and communication technology (ICT) skills acquisition just as they have provided new laptop each to the graduands after the exercise.
In a brief remarks, the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pond said the initiative was to equip young Nigerians with practical skills that respond directly to the realities of today’s technology-driven economy.
His words: “The programme was designed with one clear objective: to empower our people, especially young Nigerians, with practical digital skills that are relevant in today’s world. Digital skills are no longer optional; they are essential for employment, entrepreneurship and global competitiveness”. According him, over the six-month, participants received intensive hands-on training in computer applications, web development, graphics design, cyber security and data analysis, describing the skill sets as globally relevant and capable of supporting self-reliance.
He said, the laptop distributed was to enable those who have graduated to put into practice immediately what they have learnt.His words:” That each participant is provided with a laptop today, is not merely a reward; but a tool to practice (learn) and to work. By removing the barrier of access to basic ICT equipment, we ensure that the knowledge acquired here can be put to immediate and productive use.” The Managing Director of Tantita Security Services said, early results from the programme had been encouraging, noting that many trainees now show improved competence, confidence and readiness for the digital workplace, while some have already begun applying their skills for work. According to him, the programme is an evidence of what strategic partnerships between the private sector and development-oriented foundations can achieve.
His words: “This programme reflects the power of collaboration. I commend PEB ICT Services for their professionalism and quality delivery, and I acknowledge the Tompolo Foundation for its lasting commitment to human capital development. At Tantita, we remain firmly committed to initiatives that empower our teeming youth.” In his address to the beneficiaries, High Chief Pondi urged them to deploy their skills responsibly and ethically. His words “With this training and these tools, come responsibility. Use them wisely, not for fraud, but to add value to your lives, your communities and our nation at large.”
On his part, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Executive Secretary, Tompolo Foundation and Chief Executive Officer, PEB ICT Services, expressed gratitude to High Chief Government Ekoemupolo and Tantita leadership for the initiative.According to Bebenimibo, Tompolo Foundation was a child of necessity with vision to improving on lives through education and medical outreaches.
On his part, Moses Major, Administrator, PEB ICT Services, praised Tantita Security Services and the Tompolo Foundation for sustaining the programme, describing the initiative as a practical model for tackling youth’s unemployment through skills acquisition. His words: “We commend Tantita for its commitment to youths’ empowerment and for fully funding this programme. We are proud to have delivered quality training to these young people, and we look forward to expanding the initiative to other parts of the country.”
Responding on behalf of other graduands, Zikorebai Justice, expressed gratitude to Tompolo Foundation and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for the opportunity given to them to be impacted with modern and digital skills and assured that they would deploy the skills towards the betterment of their lives in particular, Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.