Group partners Coca-Cola to tackle crime, youth unemployment through digital empowerment

In an effort to help curb youth involvement in crime and social vices, a group, Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE), has launched a project to equip 200,000 Nigerian youth with the skills and tools for digital employments.

The project called Digital Skilling and Employment Project (DSEP), which is funded through a grant by The Coca-Cola Foundation, would be implemented in partnership with Corporate Imo Impact Partners and Imo State Ministry of Digital Economy and E-government.

According to the group’s Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Godswill Agbagwa, “The project intend to bring renewed hope to local communities within Imo State and by extension, Nigeria, through the intensive training of youths to help them harness opportunities and subsequently generate income for themselves and their families.”

Agbagwa disclosed that the beneficiaries of the project who will be selected from urban, sub-urban and rural areas in Imo State and across Nigeria would be trained in cyber security, web development, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, among other technology skills.

He said: “The programme would inspire youth to launch and grow digital ideas in areas of global market demand. After the completion of the trainings, beneficiaries of the programme would be provided with laptops and workstations to enhance productivity.”

Also, the group’s project manager, Francisca Ekwonu and Communications Officer, Chinenye Onuoha, reiterated the important role of digital technologies in transforming every aspect of human lives, ranging from communications to healthcare, marketing, finance, business development, and arts.

Ekwonu added: “The world is rapidly changing and new economies are emerging due to digital technology. Nigeria must then join the digital technology train to ensure better economies for its citizens, and a sustainable future for all.”

Also speaking on the initiative are: President of the Coca-Cola Foundation, Saadia Madsbjerg; Commissioner, Ministry of Digital Economy and E-government, Imo State, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, among others. They lauded the initiative and urged concerned stakeholders to partner in efforts to make Nigeria technology driven.

Madsbjerg said: “We are thrilled to contribute to youth development initiatives such as this, as digital entrepreneurship rapidly gains momentum in Africa. By offering skills and training in this field, we aim to boost socioeconomic growth throughout this resource-abundant continent.

“Our commitment extends beyond Africa to the global stage, as we actively seek collaborations with suitable partners to drive the essential progress needed for Africa’s advancement.”