In further demonstration of his unique passion towards building a better future for his people, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi, has facilitated a free computer training for 100 youths across Ikorodu division. The computer training, which was tagged, ‘STREETS 2CLICK,’ and anchored by Fortesort Systems Limited, a subsidiary of NIIT, a reputed global computer training institute.
The beneficiaries, which were mobilized through various social media platforms related to Ikorodu division, will be trained free of charge in four different computer programmes namely Video Editing, Graphics, Programming and Hard Ware Repair and maintenance.
According to the organisers, the best performing trainees among the lot will be offered employment in reputable companies, which are partnering with NIIT for the program.
Mr. Jimoh Akeem, head of Surulere Center of ForteSoft Systems Limited, while addressing a gathering at the Ayangbure Palace on Monday, February 22, 2021, explained that NIIT has decided to embark on the computer training program as a result of the fallout of the #ENDSARS protest, which, according to him, brought to the fore the challenges facing the youth of the country, particularly the issues of unemployment and under employment.
He said that the program is targeted to cater for 2000 unemployed youths across Lagos State, adding that 100 of them will be picked from Ikorodu courtesy of Oba Shotobi while the best will be given job placement after the training.
Mr. Akeem also disclosed that the company has equally resolved to wave a certain percentage of its official training cost for graduates, who are willing to benefit from the program.
Also, Mrs. Naomi Job Kalu, the Project Manager, STREET 2CLICK, also speaking at the gathering, said that the program was designed to take youths, particular the unemployed, underemployed and the less privileged off the street and avail them the opportunity to acquire skilled Information Technology (IT) knowledge and training that can be a source of income and gainful employment to them. She said further that the program is unique because it is aimed at training youths between the ages of 18-40, who are employed and cannot afford education. According to her, the idea behind the project is for NIIT to train as many IT skilled youths as possible with the sole aim of changing Nigeria’s present status as IT consumer to a key player in IT business in the next 10 years.
In his own remarks, Chief Kaoli Olusanya, the Asipa of Ikorodu and a former Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, thanked Oba Shotobi for bringing the program to Ikorodu and also lauded NIIT for its exemplary Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) and for choosing Ikorodu as one of the base for the beneficiaries.
He equally said that #ENDSARS protest has exposed the ills in the Nigerian society and the problem facing the youths, whom are said to constitute 65 percent of the country’s population.
He added that the NIIT computer training is set out to address some of these problems, especially the unemployment issue. Asipa Olusanya, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to use the program to lay a solid foundation for their future and break the chain of poverty in their respective families and the society at large. And while stating that IT offers varieties of job opportunities for youths across the world, he challenged the beneficiaries to become computer program developers and turn Ikorodu to Silicon Valley of Nigeria.
Otunba Ganiu Abiru, the Chairman of Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), while corroborating Kaoli’s statement, said that the beneficiaries are about to start their journey to prosperity, stating that the NIIT computer training will prepare them for a better future. He urged them to grab the opportunity with all seriousness. He also commended Oba Shotobi and NIIT for providing such a laudable opportunity for good.
Oba Shotobi, while briefly offering royal blessings for the NIIT Forte Soft officials and the beneficiaries, expressed his gratitude over the impact the computer training will have on the youths of Ikorodu. He appealed to the beneficiaries not to disappoint him while also urging them to make use of the opportunity being offered by the computer training and also promised to visit the training center regularly to monitor their progress.
Oba Shotobi also commended NIIT for offering to train the beneficiaries free of charge and assured them of his support wherever it is needed.
Others at the event were Fredrick Oka, Ikorodu NIIT Fortesort Manager; Alabi Adenike, Head, NIIT Fortesort Internal Control and Audit Department; Maduike Joy, Training Co-ordinator, Street 2 Click; Samuel Gabriel, Head, IT Support, NIIT Fortesoft as well as Baales and other guests.