The Knights of Saint Mulumba (KSM), Victoria Garden City (VGC) Subcouncil has launched its Digital Skills Acquisition Programme, marking a deliberate move to strengthen youth empowerment and build practical digital capacity within the community.
The programme, which held over the weekend, was officially kicked off by the Worthy Grand Knight (WGK), Sir Tony Ukairo, with the admission of 23 trainees into Cohort One. The participants were drawn from diverse educational and professional backgrounds but are united by a shared interest in acquiring relevant, future-ready digital skills.
Designed to respond to the realities of today’s fast-evolving digital economy, the initiative focuses on improving employability, encouraging entrepreneurship, and promoting self-reliance among young people. Organisers noted that the programme is tailored to bridge existing skills gaps by equipping participants with competencies that are in high demand across industries.
The training adopts a practical, hands-on approach, exposing trainees to key areas such as digital marketing, web development, data analytics, and cyber security, among other critical digital fields. Participants will engage in interactive sessions, guided projects, and simulations aimed at translating theory into real-world application.
Speaking at the kickoff ceremony, Sir Ukairo emphasised that the programme is rooted in empowerment rather than dependency, drawing inspiration from Matthew 4:19, which states: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” According to him, the initiative is structured to provide sustainable skills instead of short-term support.
“The programme is designed to teach participants how to be self-sufficient contributors in the digital space,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that trainees learn by doing. Through practical sessions and real projects, they will be empowered to catch their own fish and compete in the global digital economy.”
The trainees were formally welcomed into the programme with a goodwill message from the Subcouncil, which encouraged discipline, consistency, collaboration, and curiosity throughout the learning process. The message stressed that digital skills are no longer optional but essential tools for relevance and competitiveness in the modern world.
The programme will run largely online, combining live and recorded sessions, expert-led instruction, and practical simulations to ensure measurable learning outcomes. Several leaders of the KSM VGC Subcouncil were present and have provided strong institutional backing. They include Sir Anthony Chiejina, Worthy Deputy Grand Knight; Bro Yemi Bankole, Worthy Chancellor; and course instructors Sir Peter Iwuegbu and Bro Dike Ukaegbu.
Also supporting coordination and public engagement is Sir Chojare Igho Najevwe, the Worthy Public Relations Officer of the Subcouncil. With two cohorts planned annually, the initiative is expected to evolve into a sustainable platform that aligns faith-based values with practical solutions to unemployment and digital skills gaps in Nigeria.
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