OPAS-Africa empowers youths with ITC training
No fewer than 100 youths in Isolo area of Lagos State have ben selected for the free training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) organised by Oliyide Poverty Alleviation Solution (OPAS-Africa), a non-governmental organisation (NGO)
The tech training, organised in conjunction with Justice Forum, a caucus of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, would run for two two months after which the beneficiaries will be issued certificate.
Speaking at the inauguration of the programme in Okota-Isolo during the weekend, the founder and the Director of OPAS-Africa, Hon. Ayodele Oliyide, said the training is essential to empower the youths as the certificate will be useful for them to secure job in the ICT sector
Though he noted that the two-month training may not be enough for them to be an expert in the field, it will serve as foundation for them in technology for them yo build on.
Oliyide reiterated that the OPAS-Africa certificate is solid, noting that some of the previous trainees have secured jobs with the certificates while some others have proceeded to other countries like China to further their tech education.
“This programme is not the first we have done, it is not the second. And we are going to continue the programme to create more jobs and alleviate poverty in our society.
“We normally target 100 students but we usually ended up having up to 130 students every year we organse this free ICT training. This year, we have registered up to 95 students but many are still coming. Meanwhile, we have to restrict them to be able to cope with the number.
“The reason I organize this training for the youths in my constituency is to give back to the society we I grew up. My background was not that rosy as well, I struggled to make it and that is why I think I should help those who are also struggling to make it in life. Many are struggling but if there is no support, their efforts may be a waste.
“We are doing this to encourage our youths that they can make it big in life. What I want them to understand is that there is nothing that can be a stumbling block for them to achieve what they want to achieve. Don’t limit your dream, dream large, if you dream small, you won’t go beyond the limit,” he admonished the participants.
Oliyide, therefore, advised them to be serious with their learning, warning that anyone who is not serious with the training will be sent back home to give space for the serious ones as he urged the parents to give their children the time to be at the centre on time.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Pastor Olufunmi Dawodu, charged the beneficiaries of the training to be hardworking as he mentioned the importance of the programme to the students, gave the purpose of the programme as encouraging and pulling members into the fold of the group and APC as a party.
He warned them not to use the knowledge for cybercrime, sating they can make legitimate money from technology if they learn it well.
He commended the apex leader of the group and the party, Chief Oladele Ajomale, for creating opportunity for the youths to benefit from the programme.
The Chief Host, Alhaji Mukaila Ajao who is the CEO of Milako Hotel, also warned them against misuses of the training, urging them to take the learning serious as he prayed for them to be successful in their learning.
