The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that the FCT administration is empowering youths in the territory with essential information and communication technology (ICT) skills for sustainable development.
News About Nigeria reports that he made this statement at the launch of a five-day training programme for 300 youths on various ICT skills in Abuja on Tuesday.
The training, which is being provided at no cost, is a collaborative effort between the FCT Administration and the Nigerian Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDO-Americas).
The programme is part of the activities marking NIDO Worldwide Week and will cover a range of topics, including artificial intelligence, digital marketing, cybersecurity, digital forensics, and mobile application development.
The minister, who was represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, commended NIDO-Americas for their commitment to learning, growth, and collaboration.
The effort, according to him, is creating a platform for engagement and knowledge exchange between the diaspora community and the FCT youths.
He said that the diaspora community plays a pivotal role in shaping the development and progress of the country by bringing their wealth of resources—knowledge, skills, experiences, and finances.
This, according to him, is invaluable to Nigeria’s economy, and growth.
“Your contributions range from healthcare to technology; education to entrepreneurship; the Nigerian Diaspora continues to make significant contributions that impact lives back home.
“I wish to emphasise the importance of harnessing this professionalism, expertise and resources to accelerate the development process in Nigeria and the FCT in particular.
“Together we can build a stronger, more resilient Abuja that serves as a model for sustainable urban development and innovation.
“By tapping your talents and resources, we can create enduring partnerships that can drive inclusive growth, ensure job creation, and improve the standard of living of our people.”
Wike said that the diaspora’s input and collaboration would play a key role in FCTA’s determination to create a more vibrant and sustainable capital city.
He appealed to the diaspora community to also invest in infrastructure, transportation, housing, healthcare, and renewable energy, among other critical areas.
“Your insights, expertise, and financial resources can play critical roles in enhancing our basic infrastructure, amenities, and overall quality of life in our beloved capital city,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the America Diasporas Committee, Dr. Ezekiel Macham, explained that the NIDO Diaspora Worldwide Week was part of efforts to give back to society.
Macham said that about 500 youths registered for the training but only 300 were selected from Ogun State and the FCT for the training.
He commended Wike for accepting to host the training in line with his commitment to human development in FCT.
Also, Dr. Victor Ubani, Chairman of NIDO-Americas and Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide, who was represented by a former chairman of NIDO-Americas, Mr. Obed Menago, reiterated the diaspora community’s continued support for Nigeria’s development.
One of the beneficiaries, Samuel Chinonye, thanked FCTA and NIDO-Americas for the opportunity to acquire skills in cyber security to enable him to carve a niche for himself in the ICT-driven world.
