The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has graduated 166 Borno youths in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for computer graphics and smart phone repairs. Each trainee will be kitted with free starter packs with the sum of N20, 000 to enable trainees hit the ground running. While launching the Rapid Response Intervention (RRI) projects and graduation of ICT trainees yesterday (Monday) in Maiduguri, NEDC’s Managing Director, Mohammed Alkali disclosed: “In line with the National Agenda for ICT development in Nigeria, it will fast track and resuscitate the economy.”
He said that the resuscitation of the economy, complied with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP of the Buhari administration. “We resolved to key in by improving access to ICT in the Northeast, as a deliberate effort to bring out of its lowest rank in ICT among other geopolitical zones,” he said. On demands for ICT skills, he added: “We were surprised by the demands for the commission’s ICT training programme when it was advertised. “About 61,026 candidates applied, but only 1,200 candidates were admitted in the first batch, because of NEDC’s carrying capacity to train. He said that 1,200 are being invited to participate in the second batch of ICT training in the six states of region.
He noted that because of the importance of ICT and demands for the training, the commission plans to replicate additional ICT resources. According to him, the ICT centres are being sited in 18 senatorial districts of Northeast, with Borno getting two additional centres. While addressing the trainees, he said that the acquired entrepreneurship and ICT training will not only empower youths, but become employers of labour. “We’ll continue to monitor your progress and reward those that may fare well in their respective ICT skills,” he warned. The commission under the RRI scheme; also distributed 1,500 bags of seeds and fertilizers to farmers.
While launching the distribution of RRI projects, he said: “Over 40,000 face masks were distributed to public and private schools, security agencies and National Union of Roads Transport Workers (NURTW).He added that 80, 000 exercise books and 40,000 classroom desks, were also distributed to public and private schools in the state. While commending the commission, Governor Babagana Zulum said that the ICT training could transform and add more value chains to fight poverty and unemployment among youths. He also urged that more technical and vocational centres, including mechanical villages be established in Maiduguri metropolis.
He assured that the state government is to train the trainees, so that more youths are engaged in ICT to reduce unemployment and poverty
