Foundation graduates Suleja youths in digital, leadership skills

The Foundation for Human Capacity Development and Innovation has graduated 88 youths from Suleja, in Niger state trained in leadership and digital skills from its institute.

Blueprint reports that the youths were trained for weeks in various courses including leadership and character development, cybersecurity and ethical hacking, robotics and embedded programming, data science and data analytics, software development, artificial intelligence, 3D and creative design and filmmaking, photography and content creation.

Speaking at the event on Saturday in Suleja, founder of the Foundation and GMD/CEO of Navy Holdings Limited Abuja, Rear Admiral Hamza Ibrahim, expressed confidence that the youths have been equipped with skills and discipline needed to become role models and transform the society positively.

He said, “On a day like this I am pleased that the efforts, time and resources we invested into these youths is not wasted.
“I am also happy because we have impacted the lives of young Nigerians, people that going to take responsibility and also take leadership positions in the country tomorrow.
“I am also happy that God made the programme seamless. Through out the programme we did not have issues, we didn’t not also record any disciplinary issues or have cause to withdraw anybody. This is goodnews for me because this is the essence of this programme; to impart discipline in them and change their perspective about life.”
He said the foundation has put a mentorship system in place to monitor the progress of trainees in their chosen field.
According to him, ” Anyone we train here we have their database and we keep track of their progress.
“We track them and once in a while we call them back to the centre to see how they are coping and also hear from them.
“If there are those that require resources to start businesses we assist them with resources.
“In fact it would surprise you to know that we equally look for market for them. As I speak to you now I already have a market for an activity that is going to happen. It is an IT driven activity and that individual wants people from data science, software development and cyber security to fill in that activity for a limited period of time.”
Also speaking, Mustapha Ndajiwo, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning for Niger state, lauded the foundation for investing in the youth, saying it is critical for the growth of the society.
He said the development of any society is the responsibility of all, urging other public spirited individuals to key into the good work of the foundation.

“Investment in youth in the area of technology is vital for the development of the society. The development of any society depends on investment in technology and knowledge. What we have witnessed today is worthwhile.
“The development of the country is a whole-of-society approach. Government has a role to play, civil society, private sector everybody has a role to play. Understanding is very important.

“Government cannot do everything because it has limited resources. We find organisations like this filling the gap we appreciate them,” he said.
He was confident that the youths have been equipped to make a difference in the society.

“From what I saw today, the training was really impactful. With the kind of training given to them there is no doubt that these young ones have been given a very strong foundation
“I was here when the training started and I am here again to witness their graduation.
” I can assure you that from what I saw today, very soon we shall begin to hear about their exploits,” he said.