150 Benue youths receive training on AI

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

A notable entrepreneur, Dr Godwin Kave, has facilitated the training of over 150 Benue youths in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

The philanthropist also visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at the International Market, Makurdi, which houses victims of the Yelewata attack, where he donated relief materials to celebrate his 50th birthday anniversary.

Our correspondent reports that the ICT training, facilitated through the Kave Economic Empowerment Foundation (KEEF), was held at Government Model Secondary School, Makurdi, drawing participants from across Benue State.

Declaring the training open, Dr Kave said the initiative was aimed at redirecting the energy of young people toward the productive use of digital platforms.

He observed that Benue has a high number of social media users but lamented that much of the engagement is negative.

He further noted that the training would not only equip the youth with knowledge but ensure they make a living from it. “It’s not just for you to gain the knowledge but for you to apply the knowledge and gain wealth,” Kave said.

He appreciated the Benue State Government for its support, noting that the presence of the Commissioner for ICT and Digital Economy, Mr Kwaghgba Amande, at the event demonstrates that the programme aligns with the vision of the state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia’s administration.

Kave, who stated that the youths were the primary target of the intervention because of their strategic role in society, observed that, “If we don’t train the youths well, the society will feel the negative effect tomorrow.”

He disclosed that the training formed part of a series of empowerment and humanitarian activities lined up to celebrate his golden jubilee.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for ICT and Digital Economy, Mr Kwaghgba Amande, lauded Governor Alia for creating the ministry, describing it as the first of its kind in Benue since the state’s creation in 1976.

Amande also commended Dr Kave for the initiative and urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to build competence in emerging technologies.

He said, “At the level of the ministry, with the approval of the state government, we are doing a lot, having trained and certified 10,000 youths in that area.”

Furthermore, the Acting Director of ICT in the ministry, Mr Paul Ameh, encouraged participants to remain attentive during the training, saying, “A man who learns is a man who advances. Sit tight and learn whatever knowledge that is passed to you. The trainers are seasoned ICT administrators.”

Another Acting Director in the ministry, Mr Ukpashi Emmanuel, noted that ICT has taken centre stage globally and should be taken seriously by young people.

Shortly after the training, Dr Kave and his team proceeded to the International Market IDP camp in Makurdi, where they donated assorted relief materials including bags of rice, cartons of noodles, wrappers, clothing, bathing soap, and slippers, among other items.

Speaking at the camp, Ambassador Kave expressed concern over the residents’ continued stay in the camp and prayed for their safe return to their ancestral homes.

He noted that celebrating his birthday in comfort would not bring him satisfaction while others face hardship, hence his reason to visit and share with them.

In response, the Ter Makurdi, HRH Vincent Aule, commended Dr Kave for his humanitarian gestures, noting that he had been supporting vulnerable groups quietly over the years.

He said while government efforts were commendable, the primary desire of the displaced persons remained to return to their ancestral homes, and he called for the concerted efforts of all well-meaning sons of the soil to enable their return.

The District Head of Ugondo, HRH Terwase Pila, offered royal blessings to Dr Kave for identifying with the displaced persons.

In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Somon Ukeyima urged the IDPs not to lose hope but to remain steadfast in faith. He commended Kave’s gesture and advised camp leaders to ensure fairness in the distribution of the relief materials.

Earlier, the camp manager, Mr Robert Nyom, appreciated the intervention and assured that the items would be distributed equitably among residents of the camp.