Abakaliki – Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), a pet project of Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, wife of Ebonyi Governor, has inaugurated a three-month free training on digital skill acquisition for youths in the state.
The scheme was inaugurated in collaboration with the State Government, the Ministry of Information and Technology on Friday in Abakaliki with start-up kits for the beneficiaries.
The initiative follows efforts to create digital literacy skill and provide employment opportunities to the younger generations in the state.
According to Mrs Nwifuru, the scheme would be featuring courses on frontend development, hardware maintenance/networking, graphic design, video editing and content creation.
She noted that the Basic and practical skills in information technology and digital literacy was key to self development and uplifting their potential.
The Governor’s wife affirmed the state government’s commitment to provide the youths with start-up kits and enabling environment for the training.
She commended her husband, Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for the huge support to the programme in equipping them.
In his remarks, Mr Tochukwu Okorie, Commissioner for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), said that the essence of the scheme was to bridge the digital knowledge gap and enable beneficiaries become self-reliant in their endeavors.
Mr Peter Oga, Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ebonyi command, appealed to the youths to embrace the scheme and stay away from drugs abuse.
However, Mr Kenneth Offor, the Deputy Commander, NDLEA, and Resource Person on the topic, “Abstaining from illicit drugs”, advocated for a treatment and rehabilitation centre in the state.
Also speaking, Mrs Nkechi Echiegu, the BERWO team leader and Resource Person, disclosed that about 65 young men and women would embark on the free training scheme.
The 65 were drawn from across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.
Echiegu highlighted that the foundation embodies a shared vision to address critical issues and enhance the quality of life for all.
Beneficiaries Stephanie Okorie, Ada Ogbonna and Chukwudi Obasi, in their separate speeches, expressed satisfaction for being part of the programme.
They thanked the state government and the foundation for the initiative and pledged to utilise the knowledge gained for self development and creation of digital empowerment.
