By Chinelo Obogo
Ebonyi State has launched a free digital training program aimed at equipping 5,000 youths with in-demand skills.
The initiative, a partnership between the state government and GetBundi Education Technology, is being implemented through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) office and supported by the First Lady, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru’s BERWO Foundation.
The pilot phase of the program, dubbed “Skill Up Ebonyi,” is designed to empower youths, foster economic independence, and contribute to the state’s overall development. It was launched on July 27, 2024, in Abakaliki and will train 200 youths in digital marketing, video editing, and graphic design using the GetBundi platform.
While flagging off the programme, Mrs. Nwifuru emphasised the critical importance of digital skills in today’s economy and urged youths to seize the opportunity, highlighting the potential for personal and economic growth through digital proficiency.
“I am speaking to you today wearing three hats. One as the first lady of the state, as a mother who wants the best for her children, and as a founder of a foundation targeted at human capital development which is what is happening here today.
“I am going to be very clear and honest with you, there is nothing this state can offer you as youths that will equal what is happening here today. The world has gone digital and without digital skill sets, you cannot compete as individuals.
“I can hand you over all the cars I came here with today and in four years, they are gone bad and the next four years there may not be any traces of them. But, when you take what is happening here today seriously and acquire the skill sets that the government, through the SDG office and my office, are offering you, you will buy these cars 10 times and many more. You can take advantage of remote work and excel forever. You can even buy cars for me tomorrow. I urge you to please take this opportunity and run worth it,” she said.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and focal person for the SDG in Ebonyi State, Mrs. Esther Nwogha, who was also present, outlined the programme’s objectives, including youth empowerment, job creation, and economic growth. She said the training is open to undergraduates, graduates, and the general workforce.
Stressing the importance of digital skills in today’s rapidly evolving world, she said, “The advent of technology has not only changed how we communicate but has also revolutionized industries, creating new job opportunities while rendering some traditional roles obsolete. In Ebonyi State, where we are blessed with a vibrant population eager to learn and grow, it is imperative that we equip our youth with the necessary tools to thrive in this digital economy.
“Let us invest in our future by investing in our youth today! Together, we can build a digitally skilled workforce capable of propelling Ebonyi State into a prosperous future where opportunities abound for all.”
GetBundi founder, Osita Oparaugo, expressed the company’s commitment to the program and its broader mission to impact Africa. He emphasised the shift in the global job market towards skills-based qualifications and highlighted GetBundi’s role in bridging the gap between education and employment.
“The importance of acquiring these skills cannot be overemphasised, as it ensures that you remain relevant and competitive in the workforce.
“I encourage you to join the GetBundi community where you will meet thousands of learners from various corners of the world coming together under a single community. This includes close to 1,000 women from Africa participating in the TechSis 2024 cohort and a youth empowerment cohort from Umuahia North in Abia State. The power of community and collaboration knows no bounds.
“We are committed to this programme, we are committed to making an impact across Africa, we academic team are a phone call or email away if you need help with anything concerning your development,” he said.
The program will run for four months and combines online learning with personalized support and community interaction.