NGO trains 140 youths on IT support for legitimate business

Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development Initiative has concluded a two-day workshop for more than 140 youths and students in Edo on Information Technology (IT) Support Programmes.

The workshop, under the Edo Youth Skills Development Programme in IT Support of the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), had participants from across the state.

Mr. Israel Orekha, Executive Director, Connected Advocacy, told newsmen at the closing of the workshop in Benin on Saturday, that the initiative was aimed at providing an alternative to internet fraud, which was becoming more pervasive among the Nigerian youths.

Orekha said that building the youth resilience in IT skills would ensure a safer environment from the negative direction that many of them were already toeing.

This harmful path, he said, was obviously leading to the daily increase in the number of youths going into internet fraud activities popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo”.

“The training is meant to proffer alternative to internet fraud, which is destroying lives and depriving people from their hard-earned money.

“Connected Advocacy and Partners put together a skill drive initiative for young people, to have dreams career in IT Skills, being recognised globally and earn income legitimately, to also bring good name to the people of Edo state.

“It was an opportunity to learn the introduction into data analytics, graphics design (Product design), digital Public Relations, IT Support and UK Global Talent Innovation Programme for Youth at no cost,” he said.

The executive director observed that the training would definitely improve climate technology education and campaign for local communities on emissions reduction.

“We aim to redefine a legitimate pathway for our youth to end internet fraud, create decent jobs and change the negative trend of the use of IT Support among some young people in Edo State.

“It will strengthen community level resilience building in IT Support for climate mitigative actions and together, we can make a difference.

“This is because government on their own cannot do it alone; let us make our own contribution, build an ecosystem where young people can live their dreams; commit to climate tech innovation to reduce global warming, with climate consciousness for a safe planet without fraud, nor causing pains that lead to death of those they stole from,” he said.

One of the participants, Godsmark Orisakue, described the workshop as an eye opener, noting that he only heard about data analytics before, but the training took him through the rudiments of the concept.