By Damiete Braide
•L-R: Olatunji, Olugbemi, Fatayi-Williams, Odesola and Oyetunde at the camp
The Dare Adeboye Foundation, in collaboration with The Incubator Nigeria, has wrapped up the Future Clan bootcamp. The seven-day intensive technology training programme, aimed at empowering over 1,000 Nigerian youths, represents a significant milestone in addressing Nigeria’s developmental challenges through technology.
The closing ceremony, which held last Saturday at the Redemption City of God, was a grand testament to the transformative potential of this initiative. The event was graced by a host of esteemed guests, including Pastor J.F. Odesola, the continental overseer of RCCG Continent 3; Pastor Oluwagbemileke Adeboye, chairman of the board of trustees of the Dare Adeboye Foundation; Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams, executive director of Africa Missions Global; and Oluwafemi Femi Oyetunde, executive director of The Incubator Nigeria.
Odesola addressed the graduates with a message that resonated deeply with the audience. He emphasized the importance of embracing their new roles as pioneers of digital transformation.
“Embrace your roles as pioneers of digital transformation. Use your skills to innovate, solve real problems and create a better future for all,” he stated.
His words instilled a sense of purpose and responsibility in the graduates, urging them to leverage their newfound knowledge to make a tangible impact on their communities and the broader society.
The Future Clan Bootcamp was designed to cover a wide range of in-demand skills. The curriculum included content and copywriting, data analysis, cybersecurity, product design, AWS cloud computing and web development. However, the programme was not solely about technical proficiency, it aimed to foster a mindset of innovation and problem-solving among the participants, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
Wale Olatujoye, the programme manager for the foundation, highlighted the critical role of technology in bridging developmental gaps in Nigeria. Drawing comparisons to technologically advanced countries such as the USA, UK, China, Japan, South Korea and India, Olatujoye emphasized how technology has been a driving force behind their development.
“Technology is a leveling ground. It has the potential to bridge the developmental gap in Nigeria just as it has in other nations,” he asserted. Olatujoye expressed excitement about the partnership with The Incubator Nigeria, citing their track record and commitment to youth empowerment through digital skills training. “Partnering with The Incubator Nigeria to execute the biggest tech skills training project in Africa is a milestone in our journey,” he added.
The ceremony also featured a significant announcement from Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams, executive director of Africa Missions Global. She unveiled a strategic partnership between Africa Missions Global and The Incubator Nigeria, aiming to impact ten million people by 2033. Addressing the graduates, she challenged them to use their newly acquired skills to address and close developmental gaps in Africa.
“Look for the gaps in Africa and use your skills and creativity to close those gaps. You have what it takes to do it,” she urged.
Her words inspired the graduates to think beyond immediate opportunities and consider the broader implications of their skills for the continent’s future.
Oluwafemi Femi Oyetunde, executive director of The Incubator Nigeria, laid out an ambitious five-year plan to foster a vibrant tech ecosystem for young talents. This plan includes establishing growth centers, incubating talents, and organizing hackathons and tech exhibitions. Oyetunde expressed his appreciation for the participants, partners, facilitators and the entire team of The Incubator Nigeria. He encouraged the graduates to aspire to make significant changes in their communities and beyond. “You have the potential to become history makers, to make a change, and to become what God wants you to be,” he said.
Adeboye’s closing remarks encapsulated the spirit of the event. He commended the graduates for being the pioneers of this initiative and urged them to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
“You’re the first of its kind, which means in everything you do, you’ll always become first,” he said. He encouraged the beneficiaries of the scholarship to take full advantage of the opportunity and make a substantial impact in the world.
The Future Clan Bootcamp, with its comprehensive training and inspiring leadership, marked a significant milestone in the foundation’s mission to empower young Nigerians. By providing scholarships worth nearly half a billion Naira, the foundation has made a substantial investment in the future of these young individuals and, by extension, the future of Nigeria. This initiative underscores the importance of digital skills in today’s economy and the critical role they play in national development.
As these 1,000 youths step into their roles as digital pioneers, they carry with them the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to drive transformation in their communities. The support from partners and stakeholders, such as The Incubator Nigeria and Africa Missions Global, further strengthens the foundation’s vision of a digitally empowered and innovative Nigeria.