By Jessica Dogo
Galaxy Backbone (GBB) has launched a digital empowerment initiative for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday as part of activities marking the organisation’s 20th anniversary celebration in Abuja.
GBB Managing Director, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, said the milestone reflected two decades of digital innovation.
He said the anniversary also provided an opportunity to transform lives through technology.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day programme was tagged ‘Social Skills and Media Empowerment’.
The training attracted 52 participants and focused on equipping IDPs with digital skills.
Adeyanju described GBB’s 20-year journey as a testament to innovation, resilience and service.
He said the organisation had connected communities, built digital infrastructure and supported national development.
“True connectivity goes beyond telecommunications infrastructure and broadband services.
“It is about connecting people with opportunities, hope and a dignified future,” he said.
The GBB chief executive said the initiative was the company’s most meaningful intervention.
He said it aimed to address the challenges faced by displaced persons through technology.
Adeyanju noted that many IDPs possessed the determination and potential to rebuild their lives.
He said the programme would change the narrative from dependency to empowerment and self-reliance.
He said: “For too long, the narrative around IDPs has been one of charity and dependency.
“Today, we are moving from relief to resilience and from handouts to digital tools.”
Adeyanju said the programme was built on three pillars of digital development. These included skills training, digital starter toolkits, and market access with mentorship.
He said beneficiaries received training in digital marketing, social media management and graphic design. Others included content creation, data entry and virtual assistance skills.
“The curriculum was designed to equip participants with income-generating skills,” he said.
He explained that beneficiaries received smartphones with productivity and learning applications.
They also received subsidised internet data packages to reduce connectivity barriers.
Adeyanju said the programme would also provide access to markets and mentorship opportunities.
“We will not just train you and provide tools. We will ensure you have access to markets and mentorship opportunities,” he said.
He said GBB volunteers would continue offering guidance and coaching to participants.
The company would also explore integrating trained IDP entrepreneurs into its supply chain.
Adeyanju urged government agencies, private organisations and development partners to support similar initiatives.
He called for collaboration to expand opportunities for vulnerable communities.
The GBB boss appealed to the international community to connect IDP talents.
He said such support would help them access opportunities within the global digital economy.
Adeyanju said the programme’s success would be measured by lives transformed, adding that digital inclusion and economic empowerment remained the initiative’s core objectives.
“This initiative is not about what you have lost. It is an investment in what you can build,” Adeyanju said.
He described the beneficiaries as future business leaders, designers and technology entrepreneurs.
“We see in you not victims, but partners; not statistics, but future CEOs. The skills provided today are foundations for digital homes no crisis can destroy,” he said.
Liyatu Ayuba, the IDP women leader, praised the gesture and promised proper use.
She said she would ensure the women utilised the phones and opportunities effectively. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
