Youths in Nigeria are being encouraged to acquire essential skills that will not only enhance their personal development but also contribute significantly to the nation’s growth. This call to action was made by Kossy Okonkwo, the founder of Teens World Foundation (TWF), during the launch of the foundation’s inaugural SkillXplore program in Lagos.

Key Takeaways

• Skill Development: Emphasis on acquiring relevant skills for personal and national growth.
• SkillXplore Program: 25 teenagers awarded full scholarships for intensive tech training.
• Global Standards: Training aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
• Community Building: Opportunities for mentorship and collaboration among participants.

The Launch of SkillXplore

The SkillXplore program aims to equip 25 teenagers with in-demand tech skills through a comprehensive training journey. Okonkwo highlighted that empowering the youth with the right skills can transform Nigeria’s narrative, enabling them to contribute positively to the economy and society.

"This event represents a major milestone in our mission to provide young Nigerians with marketable skills that meet global standards," Okonkwo stated. The program specifically targets the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on:

1. Quality Education (Goal 4)
2. Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8)
3. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Goal 9)

Commitment to Equal Opportunities

TWF is dedicated to creating equal opportunities for all teenagers, regardless of their backgrounds. The foundation aims to ensure that every participant has access to the necessary tools and mentorship to excel in their chosen fields.

Insights from Industry Experts

At the event, senior software developer Farhan Sodiq delivered an inspiring talk titled "Exploring Your Future in Tech and Innovation." He encouraged the participants to look beyond their current circumstances and envision a future where their skills could drive Nigeria’s technological and economic advancement.

Sodiq emphasized the importance of taking incremental steps in learning, urging the teens to fully leverage the opportunities presented by the SkillXplore program.

Samuel Ufoeze, another speaker, provided an overview of the training structure, highlighting its hands-on and practical approach. This method ensures that students not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

Building a Supportive Community

The event also featured a meet-and-greet session, allowing participants to interact with their mentors and fellow trainees. This interaction fostered a sense of community and collaboration, which is crucial for the success of the program.

A notable highlight of the launch was the donation of computers to each participating youth by Aptech Computer Education, further enhancing their learning experience.

Participants engaged in an interactive icebreaker session, where they were divided into groups and challenged to develop innovative solutions based on randomly assigned African-themed keywords. This activity not only sparked creativity but also encouraged teamwork among the youths.

Conclusion

The SkillXplore program represents a significant step towards empowering Nigerian youths with the skills necessary for personal and national development. By investing in the education and training of young people, Nigeria can pave the way for a brighter future, driven by innovation and economic growth.

Sources

• Youths urged to acquire skills for personal, national development, Business News Nigeria.