USGEAA Rivers Chapter Empowers 21 Girls with Digital Skills in Port-Harcourt
PORT-HARCOURT/Nigeria: In a remarkable initiative aimed at fostering digital empowerment, the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association (USGEAA), Rivers chapter, in collaboration with the Rivers ICT Department, has successfully empowered 21 young girls with valuable digital skills.
This transformative training project, generously funded by the US Mission in Nigeria, was meticulously executed by the dedicated team at the state chapter of USGEAA.
Over the course of six weeks, the recipients of this life-changing empowerment embarked on a rigorous journey to acquire an array of digital competencies. Their training encompassed essential fields such as front-end web development, digital marketing, digital lifestyle, graphic design, and more.
At the heart of this momentous occasion, Professor Edward Ezedike, the President of the association, extended his profound appreciation to the U.S. Mission for its unwavering belief in the association’s capacity to execute this impactful project. He further made a heartfelt appeal to the state government, urging its support for the initiative in the future.
Furthermore, Professor Ezedike shared invaluable advice with the beneficiaries, encouraging them to maximize the opportunities presented, ensuring that these newfound skills translate into tangible financial uplift for themselves and their loved ones.
Dr. Kingdom Nwanyanwu, the General Secretary of the association, inspired the recipients to leverage their acquired skills to reshape the narrative in the Niger-Delta. He emphasized the importance of self-development as a means to gain a competitive edge in the face of a multitude of international opportunities.
In her impassioned address, Professor Ijeoma Vincent-Akpu, the association’s Vice-President, urged the girls to remain unwaveringly focused, to distinguish themselves, and to perpetually strive for excellence, as they possess immense potential to contribute significantly to society.
The Head of Technical and Operations at the ICT Department in Rivers, Mr. Austin Dimkpa, offered his warm congratulations to the girls and their families. He expressed deep satisfaction with their conduct and unwavering commitment throughout the training period. Mr. Dimkpa also extended gratitude to USGEAA in the state and called for future collaborative endeavors for the betterment of youth.
The crowning moment of the graduation ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to the participants by Professor Femi Shaka, symbolizing the official completion of the program. Notably, Emeritus Professor Simeon Achinewhu, a former Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Port-Harcourt, bestowed laptops as starter packs upon 10 selected participants, marking a promising beginning for their digital journeys.
Miss Anita Kpobari, the overall best graduate, eloquently conveyed gratitude on behalf of the graduands, underscoring the project’s profound impact on their lives. The aspirations of these young women reflect the transformative power of this initiative, highlighting the bright future they envision for themselves.
Amongst the beneficiaries, parents and guardians expressed heartfelt appreciation to USGEAA and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria for providing their girls with this invaluable opportunity.
USGEAA, as the umbrella organization for all Nigerian recipients of United States Government-sponsored exchange programs, plays a pivotal role in uniting accomplished academics and technocrats. It serves as a platform for harnessing their resourcefulness in partnership with the United States Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria, contributing to the development of a more robust and vibrant society.
