Cross River lawmaker facilitates training of 250 children with digital skills

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

The lawmaker representing Cross River South in the national assembly Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has facilitated the empowerment of about 250 kids with digital skills.

The empowerment is courtesy of the Constituency Office of the lawmaker and is in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy.

Code named ‘build-a-thon’, about 250 children aged 10 to 18 years will embark on a four day digital summer bootcamp where they will be trained on digital skills and other technological advancements.

The program is an initiative of the federal government, through the ministry of communications, innovation, and digital economy, and will last from the 20th to 23rd of August at the Dome, Calabar Municipal Gardens.

Speaking at the bootcamp’s opening ceremony, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, represented by his Media Aide Mr. Charles Ekanem, emphasized his commitment to collaborating with relevant government agencies and the private sector to equip teenagers and children with digital skills, enabling them to compete globally.

The Senator encouraged participants to take full advantage of the 4-day immersive training, highlighting its role in providing a foundation for further digital education.

He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his “purposeful leadership under the Renewed Hope agenda,” which has significantly impacted the development of ICT and digital skills, particularly through initiatives like the build-a-thon.

The Team Lead, Mr. Patrick Ndifon, disclosed that technology is at the forefront of innovation, particularly as artificial intelligence plays a significant role in driving global economic growth.

He highlighted plans to organize the children into junior and secondary groups, with a strong focus on robotics, AI, and various other technological advancements, aiming to inspire and equip them with the skills needed for the future.