Determined to give young Nigerians a better future, Egbin Power has taken a bold step in youth development with the graduation of the first cohort of its Tech Empowerment Programme, a flagship initiative that is already transforming young people in its host communities into digital-ready professionals.
The programme, which is part of Egbin Power’s Personal Corporate Social Responsibility (PCSR) agenda, was created to open new doors for youths in Egbin, Ijede and Ipakan by giving them access to skills that can boost employability, support entrepreneurship and create long-term economic opportunities.
At a well-attended ceremony held inside the Bright Gyimah Innovation Centre, Powerfields Schools, Egbin, Ikorodu, Lagos Dtate, yesterday, 24 graduands were celebrated for completing a six-month intensive training programme that has equipped them with practical, in-demand tech skills for the modern economy.
For the host communities, the graduation was more than a ceremony. It was a statement that with the right investment, young people can be prepared to compete in the digital age and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Addressing the graduands and ither guests, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, praised the beneficiaries for their discipline and commitment throughout the training period, describing their achievement as a major step toward building digitally empowered communities.
Adesina, meanwhile, urged them to remain curious, innovative and forward-looking, stressing that digital skills have become central to the future of work and economic growth.
“The world is evolving rapidly, and digital skills are at the heart of that transformation. I encourage you to train your mind, commit to continuous improvement, and use the knowledge you have acquired to create value — not just for yourselves, but for your communities and the world at large,” he added.
The Sahara Power boss, however, challenged the new graduates to make the most of their time, share knowledge freely and remain committed to making a positive impact wherever they find themselves.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power, Mokhtar Bounour, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, noting that the initiative reflects Egbin’s responsibility beyond electricity generation.
According to him, empowering young people remains one of the most effective ways to drive lasting social and economic progress.
“At Egbin Power, we believe that empowering young people is one of the most impactful ways to drive sustainable development, and we are confident that these graduands will apply the skills acquired to make a lasting impact across the digital landscape,” Bounour added.
He urged the beneficiaries to turn their training into action by developing innovative solutions capable of improving lives and advancing socio-economic development in Nigeria.
“Let your knowledge, creativity, and determination contribute to building a stronger, more innovative, and more prosperous Nigeria. You are all ambassadors of possibility, a proof that talent, when nurtured, becomes a catalyst for transformation,” he added.
The six-month training covered key areas such as ICT fundamentals, graphic design, full-stack web development, digital marketing, cybersecurity and data analytics. The curriculum combined classroom learning with practical sessions and workplace skills including teamwork, problem-solving and time management.
Stakeholders from the Egbin, Ijede and Ipakan communities, royal fathers and senior management staff of the company were present at the event, underscoring the wide support the programme has received from both the corporate and community sides.
Speaking on behalf of the cohort, Dina Anjolaoluwa, who emerged as Overall Best Graduand and Most Outstanding Female, said the programme had changed the course of their lives and given them a new sense of purpose.
“This programme has been life-changing for us. Beyond the technical skills, we have gained confidence, discipline and a new outlook on what is possible. We are deeply grateful to Egbin Power for investing in our future, and we are committed to using these skills to create solutions, impact our communities positively, and inspire others to dream bigger,” she said.
Other graduands also received awards in various categories for outstanding performance, a gesture that further highlighted the programme’s emphasis on excellence and merit.
With the successful completion of the first cohort, Egbin Power has disclosed plans to expand the initiative and deepen its interventions in digital inclusion, youth development and community empowerment.