By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
A non-governmental organization (NGO), Yomi Denzel Foundation, has launched a digital project in order to train Nigerian youths on relevant technological skills for the future of work.
“These digital skills include Python programming, data analytics,block chain development, and machine learning, among others.
“The maiden edition of the event took place about a year ago, where 25 youths was empowered on digital skills. Today, they are doing greatly with the skills acquired.
Meanwhile,the 2nd edition of the training, witnessed 51 fresh secondary school leavers and some undergraduates, who participated in the free digital training for six months.
‘Basically, this tech skills align with the NGO”s objective to empower youths and enable them have tech knowledge , skills as they progress in life, a summation by 27- year -old Nigerian-Swiss citizen, Yomi Denzel Olaniyi, Convener of the initiative.
Denzel-Olaniyi expressed compassion for the younger youths who he say may not have access to valuable opportunities, despite being talented.
His words:there is a lot of talented youths in Nigeria, but they do not have the privilege and access to good opportunities,due to certain disadvantages like geographical location,which they never had a choice in the matter.
“I decided to create this opportunity in order to scale up an empowerment scheme for the youths in Nigeria, creating an overwhelming impact in the society.
Denzel-Olaniyi stated, that as the world strides into a tech-dominated future, the necessity to expose our children to these fields from a young age cannot be overstressed. This early introduction promises to transform them into young developers, innovative entrepreneurs, and competitive tech experts on a global stage.
“The benefits of early python programming education are manifold. It cultivates analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of technology’s role in shaping our society. By familiarizing young minds with data science, machine learning, block chain development and AI.
Denzel-Olaniyi added, how his foundation have been able to instill confidence and steer them towards having a positive contributions to the.society, rerouting their attention from detrimental activities like internet fraud to a legitimate means of making money.
Moreso, he encouraged the students to seek knowledge, and have a strong positive mindset to overcome problems while pursuing their individual goals.
He gifted twenty brand new laptops to ten outstanding students in Lagos center and ten top students in Ibadan, a total of twenty students got one laptop from both centers. He equally gave out cash rewards of N50,000 to the remaining 31 students.
Meanwhile, Denzel-Olaniyi’s father, Mr Ronald Olaniyi expressed delight his son’s humanitarian deeds to the youths.
Narrating how the initiative began; the older Mr Olaniyi said, heshared the idea to impact society basically his focus on Nigerian youths. As his father I supported the innovative idea and we swung into action.
“This is the second edition and we have graduated a total number of 76, youths, 25 persons at the maiden edition and presently,51 persons at the graduation ceremony.
He encouraged the youths to be focused, and shun any form of social vices.They need to take up responsibilities. They equally need mentors coupled with their determination to succeed.
“There are a lot of talented youths in Nigeria, but they don’t have access to opportunities or a mentor,someone who can guide or assist them, realized their dreams.Some talents are wasted as a result of that.
The Lagos Co-ordinator of the Ikeja center who spoke on behalf of the two centers, Mr. Victor Aiyenowo said the students were trained in an intensive practical-oriented program, on Core and Advanced Python Programming, Data Analytics with Python, Machine Learning with Python, and Block-Chain Development.
” The two study centers were Ikeja, Lagos State, and Ibadan, Oyo State.He said they were able to motivate the students despite the pressure,all through the programme.
Aiyenowo said the various projects pointed to solutions to some societal problems, from language translations to fake product identification just to mention a few.
Other side attractions at the ceremony, featured a team bonding exercise, where students from both centers had fun playing with their mentor and Convener of the initiatives.
Two of the beneficiaries who
are undergraduates
spoke on behalf of the students, 100L Aerospace Engineering student, from Lagos State University,(LASU), Ojo-Lagos,Raheem David and 200L student of Lead City University, Ibadan Oyo State, Ogundele Mojoyioluwa said a growing number of young tech entrepreneurs would break records in the tech arena. We would share our success stories and become powerful motivators to younger children. The heights is achievable with the right skills and knowledge.
“The duo shared their experience and how they were divided into smaller teams that allowed them for more personalized and interaction. Each team was assigned a mentor or instructor who is knowledgeable in Python programming, data analytics, and block chain development.
“Also,the team coordinated regular training sessions, workshops, and project-based on learning activities that helped us apply our skills in a practical manner.
‘The training topics covered such as the basics of Python programming, data manipulation and analysis techniques, and the fundamentals of block chain technology.
“We were also exposed to real-world case studies and examples to help them understand how these skills can be applied in various industries and sectors.
‘Additionally, the group could organize hackathons, coding challenges, and competitions to encourage the youths to practice their skills and showcase their creativity. It provided us with valuable networking opportunities and exposure to potential employers in the tech industry.
“Overall, the goal of the training program was basically to empower the youths with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of technology and to inspire them to pursue careers in programming, data analytics, and blockchain development.
” By investing in our education and training, the foundation have helped us to create a new generation of skilled and talented individuals who can contribute to the advancement of society and the economy.