Dr. Bebenimibo emphasizes critical role of ICT in today’s world
**As Tompolo Foundation Partners with TANTITA Security to Equip Youths with ICT knowledge
The Executive Secretary of the Tompolo Foundation, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo has emphasized the critical role of ICT in today’s world. adding that “The idea behind this program is to empower young people and bridge the gap in digital literacy. After graduation, one needs ICT skills to remain relevant in the workforce. By equipping participants with modern tools, we are ensuring they can compete effectively in the digital space,” he noted.
Dr. Bebenimibo stressed that In a bid to bridge the digital literacy gap and equip young people with essential technological skills, the Tompolo Foundation and TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited, in conjunction with PEB ICT Services, officially launched a six-month ICT empowerment program with an orientation ceremony Friday, March 7, 2025, at the MBB Event Center, Refinery Road, Effurun, Delta State with over 100 beneficiaries from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Also present was Moses Major, Administrative Manager of PEB ICT Services, who outlined the structure of the training, saying it will last for the next six months, that participants will undergo courses in computer Basics, Graphic Design, Cybersecurity, Web Development, and data analysis.
He emphasized that each trainee will specialize in two select-courses, with profiling set to begin on Monday, March 10, at the PEB ICT office at Jakpa Road. In addition to hands-on training, participants will receive monthly stipends, and outstanding trainees will be awarded laptops upon completion of the program.
The beneficiaries are drawn from the Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Isoko, and Ndokwa ethnic groups, expressed excitement about the initiative. In a Q&A session, Moses Major highlighted key challenges encountered while setting up the training center, particularly power supply. “One of our major concerns was electricity, so we installed a solar power system to ensure uninterrupted learning. We also had to acquire additional laptops to accommodate the larger number of trainees,” he explained.
For many participants, this program represents a life-changing opportunity. Mr. Charles, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude, saying, “This is what we have been looking for—a chance to learn. In the university, we didn’t have the time or resources to study ICT. Now, with this opportunity, we can apply computer knowledge to grow our businesses and contribute to the Niger Delta’s development.”
The orientation seminar concluded with group photographs, marking the beginning of what promises to be a transformative journey for the participants.