By Uwakmfon Dan
Following the successful completion of the week long Computer/ICT Training Programme for youths of Onna Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim Iyangeyen has pledged his readiness to sponsoring more youths of the Area to further cement their knowledge in Information and Communication Technology.
The Commissioner made the decision at the Closing Ceremony of the Comprehensive Computer/ICT Training Programme, held at M.C Luv Hotel, Ndon Eyo, Onna L.G.A., over the weekend.
"The training is a lofty initiative, one that everyone will love to key into and I believe it will continue.
"I have listened to demands by the participants and I want to say, in as much as the graduands will want this programme to continue, for a wider knowledge in ICT, that it will be my place to liaise with the organisers to know how long it will last", the Commissioner said.
On ways of bettering the programme, the Commissioner suggested the training should be in badges, to accommodate more people from the different Wards that make up the Area.
"It should be a routine, in badges, so as this people are going out, another set will come in and it should be at least, five persons per Ward, to ensure the dividend gets to more people.
"I have made a pronouncement, on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Works, that, he will love to extend this training programme, for a period to be agreed on by the organisers", he added.
While harping on the importance of the training, the Commissioner who described learning as a continuous exercise, said, apart from the knowledge gathered during the training period, it has afforded the trainees, an opportunity to stay away from youthful vices.
"As far as learning is concerned, there is no vacuum, learning is a continuous exercise and anybody that stops learning a new thing a day, has missed a lot in life and he has to work hard to turn the hand of the clock to ensure he catches up with what he has missed that day.
"There's nothing as bad as an idle mind. As you leave your homes to this place, you are leaving a lot of problems behind. Some problems will come and will not see you because you are busy here, training for your tomorrow.
He lauded the Transition Committee Chairman of Onna, Dr. Joshua Ndoho, for accepting to sponsor eight of the graduands for further ICT Training, the organisers of the programme, Intercontinental Friends Multi-purpose Corporative Society (ABAT) and the participants for their decision to engaging their minds positively, in line with the Dakkada Initiative of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
"There is extreme joy in learning and I want to thank you people for devoting your time to participate in this programme.
I believe you have learnt something that will remain with you forever. I wish this programme to continue, so you can stay away from trouble.
Earlier, the President, Intercontinental Friends Multi-purpose Corporative Society (ABAT), Barr Linus Ukpong, said the youths of Onna are operating under the Dakkada Philosophy of Governor Emmanuel and saluted the courage and zeal exhibited by the trainees while the Training lasted.
"I believe in the Capacity that Onna youths are operating under the force of the Dakkada Philosophy of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
We are operating under that space, it is because of the Dakkada Spirit, that we feel Onna people should not be idle and that is why we conceived put up this programme.
While thanking the participants for their resilience during the training period, Barr. Ukpong added that the youths youths of Onna were eager for more of such programmes and expressed optimism that the training will be extended, with support from the Commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim Iyangeyen
He thanked the Works Commissioner, Resource Persons and advised the graduands not to relent in their bid to acquiring knowledge, but always engage their minds in worthwhile ventures, as they (organisers) look forward to extending the training period.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Miss Ubokudom Evans, while appreciating the organisers of the programme for their concern about youth development in Onna, noted that the training will enhance their chances of gaining employment in any ICT oriented establishment and reiterated the resolve of the youths to Governor Udom Emmanuel, beyond 2019.
The visibly elated Atat Alex Atat also showered encomiums on the organisers, but however appealed for an extension of the training programme and provision of laptops computers for the graduands.
Others who spoke at the event included the representative of the Transition Committee Chairman, and Chief of Staff, Onna L.G.A, Mr. Aniefiok.
Highpoint of the Ceremony was the presentation of Certificates of Participation to the trainees.
It could be recalled that the week long Comprehensive Computer/ICT Training Programme, sponsored by Exxon Mobil in collaboration with Intercontinental Friends Multi-purpose Corporative Society, began at M.C Luv Hotel, Ndon Eyo, where it later moved to Onna Peoples High School, Abat.
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