Bayelsa Youths Benefit From Diri’s Empowerment Programme . . . Gov Charges Trainees To Utilize Starter Packs Judiciously
3 min read
Chris Mark
Youths in Bayelsa State have started counting their blessings as the state government’s ‘Diri Deep Entrepreneurs and Empowerment Programme’ (DDEEP) graduates its first beneficiaries.
The graduation ceremony which took place on Tuesday, June 21st at the Golden Tulip Hotel and Resort, Yenagoa, had the theme; “Importance of broadband penetration and transformation of Yenagoa into a smart City.”
Governor Diri, who commended the Commissioner for Science, Communication and Technology for keying into the administration’s policies, directed that Batch B Training of One Hundred and Fifty Youths (150) be commenced.
A total number of fifty trainees benefited from the starter packs presented by Gov. Diri.
In his charge, Senator Diri enjoined beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity to attract even those who are not willing to be moved to key into the programme.
In his words: “I therefore announce the commencement of the second batch of 150 youths. Let me charge the beneficiaries to see this as a golden opportunities and I believe your starter packs will never be used for Yahoo businesses.”
He further directed the commissioner to carefully work out modalities for the successful completion of the State Centre for Innovation and Excellence targeted to train Bayelsans on ICT.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Science, Communication and Technology, Dr. Ekio Promise Edio, described the governor as a promise keeper, who on the 3rd of November 2021 launched the DDEEP, ICT Training Programme targeted at training 8000 Bayelsans in various ICT entrepreneur skills.
He further stated that the pilot phase started with training of 50 youths in 5 different programmes and they would be presented with laptop to enhance the skills acquired during the trainings.
According to the Commissioner, “The governor has graciously approved another 150 youths under the programme, which will commence next week after the flag off.”
He disclosed that part of the concept was the commencement by the ministry on digital literacy programme for civil servant, which the first phase was recently concluded for staffs of Science, Communication and Technology.
Edio, called for collaboration from other ministries to train personnel on computer basics and other advance courses when the need arises.
He thanked the governor for his resolve to complete key uncompleted projects started by his immediate predecessor, including the centre of Excellence and Renovation.
The commissioner further explained that centre when completed will have a state of the art ICT centre, to serve as a point for tech enthusiasts and those who desire training in ICT.
He commended the governor for the support to interface with some federal MDAs, which most of them are beginning to yield fruits, added that his ministry is also in touch with Nigeria Communication Commission, who are currently working on details with our Ministry for intervention in training and implementation on national Broadband plan 2020-2022, and Yenagoa smart city concept.
