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To address the growing concern of youth restiveness and unemployment, the Obaro Stanley Foundation, in collaboration with Bet9ja Foundation, National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS), and Non-Indigene Students Association, has trained about 100 students on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.

The two-week programme, themed: ‘Techup Rivers State students’ equipped participants with skills in web development, UI/UX design, video and photography editing, as well as digital marketing.

Stanley, Chairman of the Foundation, noted that the training was borne out of the need to curb youth restiveness and ensure that they are actively engaged.

Besides, he added that the initiative was to enhance students’ employability and empower them to work remotely, given the scarcity of white-collar jobs.

He noted that if the youths are actively engaged, they would not be used as tools by disgruntled elements to cause chaos and disrupt the peace.

Stanley added that the programme’s impact is already being felt, as participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to acquire skills that would improve their employability and financial stability.

One of the facilitators, Michael Iboh, who is the President of the National Union of Rivers State Students, Rivers State University chapter, expressed gratitude to the foundation for the opportunity.

He noted that the skills learned would help the students become more employable and leverage new opportunities.

Two of the beneficiaries, Buchi and Azubuike Chika, also shared their positive experiences. Buchi, who focused on digital marketing, expressed his excitement about using the skill to boost his business, while Azubuike, who trained in UI/UX design and digital marketing, expressed joy at the prospects of securing remote jobs with her new skills.

In response to the escalating economic challenges and social unrest in the country, the Obaro Stanley Foundation in partnership with the Bet9ja Foundation, has launched an intensive two-week Information and Communications Technology (ICT) training program for students at Rivers State University.

The training tagged: “TECH UP” had over one hundred (100) students as beneficiaries, and covered various ICT skills, including web development, UI/UX design, digital marketing, python programming, photography, and video editing.

In an interview with our Correspondent, Obaro Stanley, Chairman of the Obaro Stanley Foundation, said the program’s goal is to equip students with the technical skills needed to work remotely, given the limited availability of traditional white-collar jobs for graduates.

“The ability to work from home is crucial in today’s job market. Many Nigerians are already leveraging remote work opportunities, and we believe empowering students with these skills while they are still in school is essential.

“Based on the rising crisis and economic hardship rocking the country we deemed it fit to bring the Information and communications technology (ICT) development to Rivers State students over one hundred students benefited from the two-week intensive training program.

“We trained them on web development, UI/UX, digital marketing, video and photography, editing, amongst others.

“The training is to equip the undergraduate student with Tech ability to work from home, since the white collar jobs are limited to graduate, we thought it wise to empower those who are still in school to work remotely because so many Nigerians today work from home.

Stanley added that such initiatives could prevent future protests by providing productive outlets for young people.

“If so many people had this information we would not have had the protest some days ago. If you have things you are doing, you would not think of going to protest.

“The training aims to reduce crime by positively engaging youth and increasing their employability. When there is employment, crime rates drop.

“We have provided them with the necessary information and it is now their duty to utilize them.”

He expressed gratitude to Rivers State University for hosting the program, as well as to Bet9ja Foundation and the National Union of Rivers State Students, Rivers State University Chapter, for their partnership in making the program a success.

Michael Iboh, President of the National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS) Rivers State University Chapter, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Obaro Stanley Foundation and Bet9ja Foundation for their support in enhancing students’ tech skills.

Reflecting on the administration’s commitment to advancing the digital competencies of students, Iboh highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting how crucial tech skills have become in today’s rapidly transforming digital world.

“I want to say a very big thank you to the Obaro Stanley Foundation and Bet9ja Foundation for the opportunity given to our students. When we came into office, we promised to enhance the tech skills of students, and this support has been instrumental in fulfilling that promise,” Iboh stated.

He also emphasized the potential impact on students who take their newfound knowledge seriously, suggesting that they will leverage these skills to improve their capacity for earning a living.

Additionally, Iboh expressed his appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Nlerum Okogbelem, for his support in making this initiative possible.

Some of the beneficiaries of the Tech Up program thanked the organizers for the opportunity given to them to acquire additional skills while promising to use the digital knowledge garnered to better their lives.