Delta State commissioner for Science And Technology, Hon. Jennifer Ardsen-Efeviroro as attributed the success of the ministry to massive support from Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
The commissioner made this disclosure while briefing journalists on the activities of her ministry as the government is winding down.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Okowa for all the unflinching support given to her ministry to excel.
Said she: “If not for his support, giving us approval and buying ideas that we take to him from time to time, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we have achieved.”
According to the commissioner, the ministry had Information and Communication Technology, ICT, empowerment programme which was the pilot programme in 2021 where 593 Delta State youths were empowered.
She revealed that some of the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme are now very successful while some are outside the country, using the relevant skills they acquired from the training.
“Some are even training others and we are even generating revenue from some of them by using the well-equipped Innovation Hub in the state to train other youths.”
The commissioner also revealed that the second phase of the empowerment programme was done in two batches. According to her, the second phase involved mobile development, web development and ICT for self development where qualified youths from age 18 – 35 years were trained in ICT for advanced solar and installation, computer repairs, Close Circuit Television (CCTV), Home Security Cameras, etc. A total of 575 youths were trained in this areas according to her.
“Apart from the ICTF, we had other trainings that the governor also supported us on such as fabrication of lubricant making machines and how to make the lubricant itself. The training was done under the supervision of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON)”.
Beyond this, Hon Ardson-Efeviroro remarked that some youths were also trained in the production of engine oil to the standard of Mobil Oil while farmers were trained on how best to manage and sustain the fertility of their farmland after harvest.
“The governor knows that the sure way to a successful economy of Delta is through technology and our youths are proud of what we are doing”, she added.
On the high number of female participants and beneficiaries of the programme, the commissioner revealed that she took it upon herself to sensitize the females on the need to participate, adding that she took her awareness campaign to the 25 local government areas of the state.
Earlier, Hon Ardson-Efeviroro played host to past beneficiaries of the programme who presented her an award of excellence for her zeal and efforts towards the success of the training programmes of the ministry.
