100 unemployed youths from various ethnic nationalities in Delta State have graduated from a six-month intensive computer training programme organised by the Tompolo Foundation in conjunction with Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL) and PEB ICT Services.
The graduation ceremony, held on Thursday, marked the successful completion of the programme by participants drawn from the Urhobo, Isoko, Ijaw, Itsekiri and Ibo ethnic extractions.
Each graduate received a certificate of completion and a laptop computer to enable them to engage in small-scale ICT services for self sustenance and to train other youths within their communities.
The organisers disclosed that the programme was estimated at a cost of N500 million, covering monthly salaries of trainers, a monthly allowance of fifty thousand naira for each trainee, and the cost of procuring 100 laptops for the beneficiaries.
They added that the Tompolo Foundation and its partners have committed to sustaining the training programme to reach more youths.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, urged the graduates to apply the knowledge acquired to improve their lives and positively impact other unemployed youths.
“I am deeply honoured to stand before you today to formally commission the successful trainees of the Six-Month ICT Training Programme and Laptop Empowerment Initiative, fully funded by Tantita and delivered in partnership with the Tompolo Foundation through PEB ICT Services,” Pondi said.
He explained that the programme was designed to empower young Nigerians with digital skills relevant in today technology-driven world.
“We all know that digital skills are no longer optional. They are essential for employment, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness. This reality guided the design of the programme,” he stated.
Pondi said that over the six-month period, the 100 participants underwent intensive training in computer applications, web development, graphics design, cybersecurity and data analysis.
“These skills are relevant and provide a strong foundation for self-reliance and meaningful economic participation,” he said.
He added that sustainability informed the decision to provide laptops to all participants.
“Beyond training, we are intentional about sustainability. That is why each participant is being provided with a laptop today. This is not merely a reward; it is a tool to practice, to work, and to earn,” he said.
According to him, removing barriers to basic ICT equipment ensures that acquired knowledge can be put to immediate and productive use.
Continuing, Pondi noted that the outcomes of the programme were encouraging, with participants showing growth in competence, confidence and readiness for the digital workplace.
“I am pleased to note that the outcomes of this programme have been encouraging,” he said, adding that many participants were already applying what they learned.
He highlighted collaboration as a key factor behind the success of the initiative, commending PEB ICT Services for quality delivery and acknowledging the Tompolo Foundation’s commitment to human capital development.
“At Tantita, we remain committed to initiatives that empower our teeming youth,” Pondi said.
He congratulated the beneficiaries and cautioned them on responsible use of the skills and tools provided.
“With this training and these tools comes responsibility. Use them wisely, not for fraud, but to add value to your lives, your communities and our nation at large,” he said.
“Together, through initiatives like this, we are equipping our young people with the tools to compete and succeed on a scale, shaping a stronger and more prosperous digital future for Nigeria,” he added.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of PEB ICT Services, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, commended Tantita Security Services and the Tompolo Foundation for sustaining the programme, describing it as a model for tackling youth unemployment through skills acquisition.
According to Dr. Bebenimibo, “we commend Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for its commitment to youth empowerment and for fully funding this programme.”
“We are proud to have delivered quality training to these young people, and we look forward to expanding the initiative to other parts of the country,” he said.
He explained that the partners plan to build on the success of the pilot batch by scaling up the training to create a pipeline of digitally skilled youths capable of securing jobs, starting small technology businesses and competing in the digital marketplace.
Dr. Bebenimibo added that initiatives of this nature are critical to Nigeria’s broader economic diversification drive, as digital skills continue to play a central role in productivity growth, innovation and inclusive development.
