Yemisi Izuora
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has successfully concluded a digital skills training programme for 60 youths from the North Central and Southwest zone respectively aimed at bridging critical skill gaps and enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Speaking separately at the closing ceremony held in Abuja and Lagos, NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, stated that the initiative aligns with the Board’s core mandate to develop local capacity, particularly within the oil and gas sector and its related industries. He pointed that the skill enhancement programme for Nigerian youths seeks to prepare them for the challenges of the expanding digital world.
Ogbe said, “The programme was carefully designed to deliver practical, market-relevant skills that can be immediately translated into jobs and business opportunities. We expect the beneficiaries to become active contributors to national development and make good use of the government’s investment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.”
The Executive Secretary who was represented by Ag. Manager, Research and Development, NCDMB, Jonathan Njoku observed that ongoing shortages of skilled labour, particularly in digital skills, led the Board to focus on such training.
He disclosed that the participants who were carefully chosen from across the two zones, received industry-recognised certifications to enhance their prospects in the job market and entrepreneurship.
He applauded the training outfits in the two zones for delivering value to the participants.
In his remarks, Maryanne Kooda, Group Managing Director of Pyrich Limited, the training partner who handle the North Central zone, described the programme as a combination of intensive classroom sessions and practical industry experience.
“The six-week training was followed by a two-week internship, where participants were embedded in live company projects,” she explained. “This hands-on approach helped them understand how digital tools function in actual workplace settings.”
Kooda mentioned that the curriculum was customised to meet modern workplace needs, covering key areas like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technologies, project management systems, workplace communication tools, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications.
Speaking on the training, a representative of FOZY Global Concepts, who conducted the training, said the exercise was impactful.
“For the first week, we had training in Cloud Computing. Afterwards, we had Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Customer Care Management, and Knowledge Management. We also had training in Project Management and GIS.
“As soon as we were done with all these trainings, we had on-the-job training for participants. We had a good relationship with the Digital Bridge Institute, where a number of the participants undertook their on-the-job training,” he said.
One of the beneficiary, Ene Michael, who spoke on behalf of the group, highlighted the personal impact of the training. “The programme greatly enhanced my efficiency as a writer, particularly through the use of AI tools. I am grateful and look forward to further opportunities to utilise these skills,” she said.
Another participant, Umar Zakari, a receptionist and business centre owner from Niger State, shared how the training transformed his perspective.
“I gained practical problem-solving skills in cloud computing and knowledge management. It has boosted my confidence and shown me how digital skills can help address everyday challenges while empowering young Nigerians,” Zakari noted.
The initiative is part of NCDMB’s broader efforts to promote digital literacy and local content development, empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth.