The Foundation graduated young Sulejas in digital and leadership skills

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

Blueprint reports that the youth 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, creative and 3D design and film production, photography and content creation.

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

He said: “On a day like this I am delighted that the effort, time and resources we have invested in these young people have not gone to waste.
“I am also happy because we have made an impact on the lives of young Nigerians, people who will take on responsibilities tomorrow and also take up leadership positions in the country.
“I am also happy that God has made the program smooth. Throughout the program we have not had any problems, we have not had any disciplinary problems or have had reason to withdraw anyone. This is good news for me because this is the essence of this program: to give them discipline and change their perspective on life.”
He said the foundation has put in place a mentoring system to monitor trainees’ progress in their chosen field.
According to him, “Everyone we train here we have their database and we track their progress.”
“We follow them and occasionally call them back to the center to see how they are coping with the situation and also to hear from them.
“If there are those who need resources to start a business, we assist them with resources.
“In fact, it would surprise you to know that we’re still looking for a market for them. As I’m talking to you now, I already have a market for a business that’s going to happen. It’s an IT-led business, and that person wants people from data science, software development, and cybersecurity to fill that business for a limited period of time.”
Also, Niger State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mustapha Ndajiwo, lauded the foundation for investing in youth, saying it is critical to the growth of society.
He said the development of any society is everyone’s responsibility, urging other public-spirited individuals to contribute to the good work of the foundation.

“Investing in young people in technology is vital for the development of society. The development of any society depends on investment in technology and knowledge. What we have witnessed today is worth it.
“Country development is a whole-of-society approach. Government has a role to play, civil society and the private sector all have a role to play. Understanding is very important.

“The government can’t do everything because it has limited resources. We find organizations like this that fill the gap and we appreciate them,” he said.
He was confident that young people had been equipped to make a difference in society.

“From what I saw today, the training was truly impactful. With the type of training given to them there is no doubt that these young people have been given a very solid foundation
“I was here when the training started and I’m here again to witness their graduation.
“I can assure you that from what I saw today, very soon we will start hearing about their exploits,” he said.