The Knights of Saint Mulumba, Victoria Garden City Subcouncil in Lagos State has launched a digital skills acquisition programme aimed at strengthening youth employability and building practical digital capacity in a rapidly changing economy.
The initiative, introduced over the weekend, began with the admission of 23 trainees into its first cohort. Participants were selected from diverse backgrounds but share a common goal of acquiring relevant, future-ready skills that can support employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
The programme is designed to respond to widening skills gaps and rising youth unemployment by focusing on practical digital competencies that are increasingly in demand across industries. Training areas include digital marketing, web development, data analytics and cyber security, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world application.
Speaking at the launch, the leadership of the subcouncil said the initiative is rooted in the principle of empowerment rather than short-term support. Drawing inspiration from biblical teachings, the organisers noted that the programme is structured to help participants develop sustainable skills that enable them to create value and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.
According to the organisers, learning is centred on active participation, with trainees expected to build, test and apply skills through interactive sessions and practical projects. This approach is intended to prepare participants not just for local opportunities, but also for participation in the global digital workforce.
The trainees were formally welcomed with a goodwill message encouraging discipline, consistency, collaboration and curiosity throughout the programme. The message stressed that digital skills have become essential tools for competitiveness and economic relevance, rather than optional additions.
The training will be delivered largely online, combining live and recorded sessions, expert-led instruction and practical simulations to ensure measurable learning outcomes. The subcouncil has also committed institutional support to ensure continuity and quality delivery of the programme.
With plans to run two cohorts each year, the digital skills acquisition programme is expected to grow into a sustainable platform for youth empowerment. The initiative reflects a broader effort by faith-based organizations to align values with practical responses to unemployment and skills shortages, particularly among young people seeking entry into Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
