Shakiru Ibrahim Foundation completes 2-day workshop, Trains 30 Digital Ambassadors

By Alaiye Mahfuz

On Wednesday, Digital Ambassadors for Change commenced a two-day training program for Kwara Central indigene in Ilorin, focused on training young leaders in ethics and technological solutions. The two-day training took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, opposite the street. Anthony, Offa road, GRA, Ilorin.

The Executive Director of Digital Ambassadors for Change, Shakiru Ibrahim, delivered an opening speech emphasising the mission of the Shakiru Ibrahim Foundation, supported by Hadis and Luminate Foundation. He encouraged the intending ambassadors to fully engage in the learning process to better understand the ethical use of technology, as they would be making use of it to make an impact on someone’s life.

In his speech, Mr Ibrahim clarified that Digital Ambassadors for Change is a platform aimed at empowering young community leaders to promote the ethical use of technology and encourage digital inclusion in underserved communities within Kwara Central.

Day 1 Activities

The first day of the training was honoured by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, who was represented by Barrister Abdulkareem Alabi. Other notable guests included Dr Lawal Olohugbebe, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital, and Mr Shehu Ndanusa Usman, Commissioner for Youth Development, who was also represented at the event.

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Barrister Abdulkareem Alabi delivered a keynote address on behalf of Senator Mustapha, emphasising the importance of acquiring skills to make a positive impact in one’s environment and demonstrating good leadership. Barrister Abdulkareem Alabi encouraged participants to focus on acquiring impactful skills that would enable them to serve as effective leaders in their communities. He added, “Who you know says a lot about you, as your network often defines your net worth. So grab this opportunity to start making an impact. People are watching you, He clarified.

Mr Habeeb Daranijo, a journalist, facilitated a session on the ethical use of technology. Topics covered by him included the digital impact of technology, gender and technology, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity, amongst others. A lecturer from Kwara State University also served as a facilitator, further educating the intending ambassadors on ethical technology practices in Kwara State. The day was concluded after the second facilitator’s session, with the event moderator—popularly known at the event as Hexagon—bringing the day’s activities to a close.

Day 2 Activities

The second day featured another facilitator, Mr Idris Olanrewaju O., who enlightened participants on data organisation, data protection, multi-factor authentication, and password management. One of his key takeaways while delivering his lecture was: “We are here to empower youth and individuals on how to become data-literate and use the internet effectively and responsibly.” After a 40-minute recess announced by the moderator, the program resumed with a group assessment session.

Participants were divided into five groups, which included:

Group 1: Team TrailBlazers

Group 2: Team HAMMUM

Group 3: Team Next Gen Techies

Group 4: Team Unique

Group 5: Team Elite

Each group presented innovative ideas, identifying problems, proposing solutions, and outlining their potential impact on their communities.

In an interview with Lagos Voice, participant Lawal Barakat Bukola, a final-year student at the University of Ilorin, shared her experience at the 2-day training:

“This 2-day training was truly worth attending. I’m glad I didn’t miss it, as I’ve gained knowledge on the ethical use of technology and how to advocate for it in underserved communities where awareness is limited. Thank you to the Shakiru Ibrahim Foundation team, she said delightedly.

The event, on Thursday, concluded with closing remarks by the representative of  Hadis Foundation, Abdullah Abdulqadir, who extended heartfelt gratitude to the organisers, facilitators, and participants for making the program a success.