TD Africa Distributions Limited in partnership with the technology giant, IBM last week in Lagos during the inaugural edition of a capacity building training equipped over 250 Nigerian youths with cutting-edge digital skills.
According to the organizer, the capacity building programme was organized going by the deluge of tech talents leaving the country in search of opportunities in other climes.
The organizer said the event was put together to equip young Nigerians with useful knowledge to aid them to skill up and fill the vacuum. “The programme was put together for young tech enthusiasts to garner the skills they need to kickstart a technology career or business,” it said.
Participants had the opportunity to gain foundational exposure on the journey to becoming subject matter experts on IBM Integration, Data and Security. The event saw a host of seasoned facilitators deliver masterclasses on Agile Integration for Cloud Pak, Cloud Pak for Security and Cloud Pak for Data and AI. The participants were also segregated into communities for progressive training.
Speaking at the programme, Bethel Achi, Business Manager for TD and IBM said: “We are glad to have you here. Today, leading technology giants, IBM and TD have brought this highly sought-after skills workshop to you for free. Several IBM communities, including Data AI, Software Development, and Cyber Security, will be introduced to you. With these tools, we’ll show you how to advance your profession while also showing you how to expand your business. The long-term objective is to grow a tech community with specific expertise.’
Meanwhile, Country General Manager, IBM West Africa, Mrs. Gbemisola Aruwayo-Obe, who welcomed the attendees, emphasized that the programme was put in place to equip participants with skills in high demand.
In addition to proving to be a high-impact event, there were also gifts for early bird participants. Additionally, the organizers provided a sumptuous lunch for everyone in attendance. Speaking after the event, one of the participants said, “I am extremely excited about this opportunity to be trained.” He further added that the training has helped him gain focus on the skill to learn from the avalanche of IT skills available. He also added that he has been “infused with soft skills” for a career leap.
In his closing remarks, Mezie Emelonye, Executive Director, TD Services, affirmed that TD will despite the global economic slump. He also encouraged participants to take every piece of information that will be coming their way seriously. He added that they would get the opportunity to participate in further training, even as he revealed that some will be absorbed afterward.
Over the years, TD Africa has partnered with other tech giants to empower young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age. Having pioneered structured ICT distribution in the sub-region, TD Africa, founded in 1999, has remained for many years the undisputed leader in the sector and currently boasts an expansive reach of channel partners across its countries of operation which includes Nigeria and Ghana. TD Africa is credited with the enviable status of being the pioneer bulk distributor in West Africa for a plethora of renowned global brands. It is also the biggest provider of credit in the ICT ecosystem.