Digital training academy holds business pitching competition, matriculation in Ibadan

A digital economy training academy in Ibadan, Oyo State, Gritford Learning Centre, will host a landmark event featuring the “Digital Skill Training and Empowerment Project (DSTEP) Business Pitching Competition” and “Cohort 2 Matriculation Ceremony” on Friday.

The event will be graced by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman as the special guest of honour, and National Coordinator of the IDEAS Project, Mrs Blessing Ehi Ogwu, as the guest of honour.

In a statement, the Project Leader and Chief Executive Officer of DSTEP,  Mr Mobolaji Ajani, said distinguished guests of honour will include Professor Niyi Fatai, Deputy Provost of the University College Hospital (UCH); Professor Rashid Aderinoye, former Executive Secretary of the National Nomadic Education Commission; Mr Ademola Babalola, chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Oyo State; Professor Tunji Babatunde, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning; and Chief Niyi Ajewole, president of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).

Others, Ajani said, are Chief Nuru Akinade; Alhaji Abdul Razak Abdul Ganiy (GRA), president of the Association of Nigerian Broadcasters (AMBROAD); Mr Jide Yusuf, Co-Founder, Leaders Hub; Dr Success Ojo, Co-Founder, Gotocourse; Professor Ndem Ayara, IDEAS Project Consultant; Mr Pius Odaba, IDEAS Project ICT Consultant; and Dr Misturah Rufai, World Bank Representative, among others.

He said: “Gritford Learning Centre focuses on equipping youth, women and individuals with accessibility issues with the digital and vocational skills necessary to thrive in the emerging economy.

“The academy collaborates with partners to offer cotrade, codigital, colearn, and cowork opportunities to diverse demographic groups.

“Since its inception, Gritford has trained over 10,000 trainees for free and is committed to expanding its reach through affordable paid courses and skills scholarships, with continued support from development partners.

“This event is not only about celebrating our trainees but also about reaffirming our commitment to fostering digital literacy and entrepreneurship in Ibadan and Oyo State.”

“With the support of the Federal Ministry of Education, the IDEAS Project, Normtak-Haifx Consortium, and the World Bank, we have empowered over 1,000 youths, women, and citizens with accessibility issues. Today, we look forward to unveiling the next generation of digital entrepreneurs through the DSTEP LaunchPAD Business Pitching Competition.”

“The event will also see the matriculation of over 4,000 new students in Cohort 2, who will benefit from the academy’s innovative educational programmes and ensuing job opportunities.”

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