The Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Nsibiet John, has stressed that computer literacy has moved beyond being an added advantage to becoming an indispensable necessity for survival and growth in today’s global economy.
He spoke in Uyo during a weekend visit by the management of Digital Justin Computer Institute, led by its CEO, Mr. Justin Thompson, who sought NUJ’s partnership to promote youth ICT training.
Comrade John, while commending the institute for its initiative in training young people, said that even basic computer literacy, such as typing and document processing, has become indispensable in modern-day communication and career advancement.
“The world has become a global village, and with just a laptop, a young person can make a responsible and healthy living without waiting endlessly for white collar jobs, hence, computer knowledge is not just an added advantage in our society today but it is a necessity,” he explained.
Speaking further, the Chairman used the opportunity to appeal to the Akwa Ibom State Government to fast track its earlier plan of establishing a computer village in the state, stressing that such a hub would provide opportunities for graduates and young entrepreneurs to thrive in today’s digital economy.
He called on the management of Justin Computer Institute to not only train but also create opportunities for their graduates to explore the many advantages of being computer literate, emphasizing that every teacher’s pride lies in seeing their students surpass them in knowledge and skills.
He pledged the readiness of the NUJ to partner and support their initiative explaining that empowering young people in the state is the surest way to taking them off the streets and preparing them for the future.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Digital Justin Computer Institute, Mr. Justin, called on the Chairman and his executive seeking partnership and support on visibility and publicity as the institute begins a new phase of free computer training for youths in the state.
Mr. Justin said the institute has over the years empowered more than 8,000 young people with skills in graphic design, Microsoft Excel, data analysis, and other ICT-related areas, enabling many of them to secure jobs and build careers.
He noted that the new phase of training, which will cut across some Local Government Areas, is targeted at both graduates and undergraduates, with the aim of equipping them with employable skills and linking them to opportunities.
“Empowering youths through training and opportunity, we equip them with skills and connect them with employment, fostering growth and development,” he stated, while expressing hope that the NUJ will use its platforms to support the initiative.
In attendance during the visit include: State Vice Chairman, Comrade Margaret Moore, Secretary, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo; Assistant Secretary, Comrade Uduak Akai; Treasurer, Comrade Udeme Hosea, Auditor, Comrade Dianime Uko, Registrar, Digital Justin Computer Institute, Akparawa Idorenyin Udoh, BOT members; Mrs Blessing Dan-Essien, Miss Joyce Una, and Miss Udeme Achibong
