To address the growing concern of youth restiveness and unemployment, the Obaro Stanley Foundation, in collaboration with Bet9ja Foundation, National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS), and Non-Indigene Students Association, has trained about 100 students on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.

The two-week programme, themed: ‘Techup Rivers State students’ equipped participants with skills in web development, UI/UX design, video and photography editing, as well as digital marketing.

Stanley, Chairman of the Foundation, noted that the training was borne out of the need to curb youth restiveness and ensure that they are actively engaged.

Besides, he added that the initiative was to enhance students’ employability and empower them to work remotely, given the scarcity of white-collar jobs.

He noted that if the youths are actively engaged, they would not be used as tools by disgruntled elements to cause chaos and disrupt the peace.

Stanley added that the programme’s impact is already being felt, as participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to acquire skills that would improve their employability and financial stability.

One of the facilitators, Michael Iboh, who is the President of the National Union of Rivers State Students, Rivers State University chapter, expressed gratitude to the foundation for the opportunity.

He noted that the skills learned would help the students become more employable and leverage new opportunities.

Two of the beneficiaries, Buchi and Azubuike Chika, also shared their positive experiences. Buchi, who focused on digital marketing, expressed his excitement about using the skill to boost his business, while Azubuike, who trained in UI/UX design and digital marketing, expressed joy at the prospects of securing remote jobs with her new skills.