By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says FCT Administration is equipping youths in the territory with functional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills for sustainable development.

Wike stated this at the opening of a five-day training of 300 youths on various ICT skills in Abuja on Tuesday.

The free training was organised in collaboration with Nigeria in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDO-Americas), as part of activities to commemorate the NIDO Worldwide Week.

The training would cover artificial intelligence, digital marketing, cyber security, digital forensics and mobile application.

The minister, who was represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, commended NIDO-Americas for their commitment to learning, growth, and collaboration.

The efforts, according to him, is creating a platform for engagement and knowledge exchange between diaspora community and the FCT youths.

He said that the diaspora community plays a pivotal role in shaping the development and progress of the country by bringing their wealth of resources – knowledge, skills, experiences and finances.

This, according to him, is invaluable to Nigeria’s economy, and growth.

“Your contributions range from healthcare to technology; education to entrepreneurship; the Nigerian Diaspora continues to make significant contributions that impact lives back home.

“I wish to emphasise the importance of harnessing this professionalism, expertise and resources to accelerate the development process in Nigeria and the FCT in particular.

“Together we can build a stronger, more resilient Abuja that serves as a model for sustainable urban development and innovation.

“By tapping your talents and resources, we can create enduring partnerships that can drive inclusive growth, ensure job creation, and improve the standard of living of our people.”

Wike said that the diaspora input and collaboration would play a key role in FCTA’s determination to create a more vibrant and sustainable capital city.

He appealed to the diaspora community to also invest in infrastructure, transportation, housing, healthcare and renewable energy, among other critical areas.

“Your insights, expertise, and financial resources can play critical roles in enhancing our basic infrastructure, amenities, and overall quality of life in our beloved capital city,” he added.

Earlier, the Chairman, America Diasporas Committee, Dr Ezekiel Macham, explained that the NIDO Diaspora Worldwide Week was part of efforts to give back to the society.

Macham said that about 500 youths registered for the training but only 300 were selected for the training in FCT.

He commended Wike for accepting to host the training in line with his commitment to human development in FCT.

Also, Dr Victor Ubani, Chairman, NIDO-Americas and Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide, who was represented by a former chairman of NIDO- Americas, Mr Obed Menago, reiterated the diaspora community’s continued support towards Nigeria’s development.

One of the beneficiaries, Samuel Chinonye, thanked FCTA and NIDO-Americas for the opportunity to acquire skills on cyber security to enable him carve a niche for himself in the ICT-driven world. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru