The Nigerian government says it is committed to bridging the digital divide and creating opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to fully participate in the digital economy.
President and CEO, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Mr. David Daser, stated this on Thursday in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
Mr. David, who was speaking at the graduation ceremony of 24 persons with disabilities at the Lagos Office of the DBI, Cappa-Oshodi, said the new graduates were trained and graduated under Cohort 2 of the DBI/Sightsavers IT Bridge Academy.
He stated that 25 other PWDs also graduated from the Kano Campus, while the Enugu Campus is also ready to receive Sightsavers to leverage on its facilities for the people of the eastern region of the country.
“The graduates have undergone a 9-month intensive training program, acquiring skills in Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and other supporting modules such as Product Management, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce, as well as Data Analysis and visualization.”
Represented by the Group Head, Special Duties, DBI, Viola Askia-Usoro, Mr Daser said that the skills acquired will enable them to compete favourably in the job market and pursue their passions with confidence.
Describing the event as a joyous occasion for Nigeria and especially the DBI family, he pointed out that the academy is the second of its kind in Africa after the one in Kenya which is also supported by Sightsavers International.
According to the DBI CEO, “This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the digital economy.
“This occasion acknowledges the hard work and achievements of our participants; PWDs who have completed their training. It is a testament to their perseverance and determination and a significant milestone and a cause for celebration.”
He pointed out that the academy is a beacon of hope and inclusivity in Africa, adding, “We are committed to bridging the digital divide and creating opportunities for PWDs to participate fully in the digital economy.
“Our graduates have undergone an intensive nine-month training program, acquiring skills in Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), as well as other supporting modules.”
Also Read: IT Bridge Academy, Sightsavers Empowers 25 PWDs Digitally
Mr. Daser said that persons with disabilities face barriers, stigma and discrimination that limit them from exercising their potential to actualize their dreams, among which are access to training and capacity development opportunities.
“Disability inclusion is a journey that is quite new to the Nigerian Society, therefore, the collaboration of all stakeholders is required to entrench a variety of systems and approaches that would promote disability inclusion in all sectors in Nigeria.
“To mitigate these challenges, our partner, Sightsavers International, developed a well-crafted ICT capacity-building programme based on in-demand IT skill requirements titled IT Bridge Academy.
“To achieve the noble objectives of this Academy, Sightsavers partnered with the Digital Bridge Institute in Nigeria. To our partners, Sightsavers, we appreciate your unwavering support and commitment to this initiative.
“Your partnership has enabled us to create a unique and impactful program that is changing lives.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that there is still much work to be done. We must continue to advocate for greater inclusion and accessibility in the digital economy for PWDs and other disadvantaged groups. We must work to break down barriers and create opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate fully.
“We call on government, private sector organisations, non-governmental organisations, and businesses to create opportunities for the engagement of PWDs. To our graduates of the DBI IT Bridge Academy, I charge you to go out and make a difference.
“Use your skills and knowledge to create positive change in your communities, be ambassadors for inclusion and accessibility and always remember that you are part of a community that believes in you and is committed to supporting you every step of the way,” Daser stated.
He said that the present administration has emphasised the importance of economic growth and job creation and added that the IT Bridge Academy contributes to this goal by providing PWDs with industry-recognized certifications, enhancing their employability and other opportunities.
He added that the programme also aligns with the Knowledge Pillar of the Strategic Plan of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy 2023-2027 and that of the Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Mr. David Daser assured DBI of the renewed commitment to expanding the reach and impact of the IT Bridge Academy by empowering more PWDs to participate fully in the digital revolution.
He also called for more support and grants for the continuation of what he called the noble objectives of the programme from international and national partners.
The Executive Director of Sightsavers, Sunday Isiyaku, emphasised that disability should never be a barrier to employment or economic independence.
He said the graduates have all worked tirelessly to overcome challenges and push boundaries to reach the level they are at and acquire the needed digital skills required for today’s labour market.
“At Sightsavers, we firmly believe that disability should never be a barrier to employment or economic independence. The IT Bridge Academy was designed to bridge the gap in digital skills and create pathways to meaningful careers for persons with disabilities.
“The programme is not just about education but about economic empowerment, inclusion, and proving that talent, not disability, should define a person’s personality,” he said.
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