Ikeja Council Boss, Comrade Dauda Attends ITF–NECA Technical Skills Development Project Graduation Ceremony 

OLALEKAN ONI 

The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), on Tuesday, attended the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) – Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) Technical Skills Development Project Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony organized by NECA ICT Academy in conjunction with ITF.

The programme, which held in Lagos, marked the successful completion of four months of intensive training for 100 participants in various digital and technical skill areas, including Artificial Intelligence, 3D Animation Projects, Cybersecurity, Python Programming, and Data Analysis.

In his goodwill message, Comrade Dauda congratulated the graduating trainees for their dedication and discipline throughout the training period, describing their achievement as “a major step toward building a self-reliant and technology-driven generation”. He commended NECA and ITF for their continuous partnership in developing Nigeria’s human capital, particularly in the digital sector.

The Council Chairman further expressed the readiness of Ikeja Local Government to partner with NECA and ITF to extend similar training opportunities to the teeming youths of Ikeja, saying that such collaborations would directly support the I.K.E.J.A AGENDA of his administration — which emphasizes Knowledge, Empowerment, and Economic Growth.

He stated, “Our government believes in building capacity and empowering young people with practical and employable skills. A partnership between Ikeja Local Government and NECA will further equip our youths to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy. This is how we make governance work for all”.

The Director-General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, congratulated the participants and urged them to use the skills acquired to better their lives and make meaningful contributions to society.

The event was graced by dignitaries from diverse sectors, especially the digital and technology ecosystem. The Deputy Governor of Lagos State was ably represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, who delivered the keynote address. The Director-General of ITF, as well as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh Moshood, were also represented and delivered goodwill messages.

Awards were presented to the most outstanding students in each category, and the ceremony climaxed with the cutting of the graduation cake amid cheers and celebration.