The Knights of Saint Mulumba (KSM), Victoria Garden City (VGC) Subcouncil, has launched a Digital Skills Acquisition Programme, aiming to equip young people with practical digital competencies.
The programme, held over the weekend, was formally opened by the Worthy Grand Knight (WGK), Sir Tony Ukairo, with 23 trainees admitted for Cohort One.
The participants come from diverse backgrounds but share a common goal of learning skills that will boost their employability and self-reliance.
The initiative focuses on in-demand digital skills, including digital marketing, web development, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Trainees will learn through hands-on, practical sessions designed to give them real-world experience.
Speaking at the event, Sir Ukairo emphasised the programme’s focus on empowerment over dependency, citing Matthew 4:19: “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” He said, “The programme is structured to teach sustainable skills rather than provide temporary relief, enabling trainees to become self-sufficient contributors in the digital space. The goal is to ensure participants learn by doing. Through interactive sessions and real-world projects, they will be empowered to ‘catch their own fish’ and thrive in the global digital economy.”
The trainees were also welcomed with a message from the Subcouncil, encouraging discipline, consistency, collaboration, and curiosity throughout the programme. The message highlighted that digital skills are essential for competitiveness in today’s world.
The training will run mainly online, combining live and recorded sessions, expert instruction, and practical simulations to ensure measurable learning outcomes.
Several KSM VGC leaders attended the launch, including Sir Anthony Chiejina, Worthy Deputy Grand Knight (WDGK); Bro Yemi Bankole, Worthy Chancellor; and course instructors Sir Peter Iwuegbu and Bro Dike Ukaegbu. Sir Chojare Igho Najevwe, Worthy Public Relations Officer (PRO), is coordinating the programme and public engagement.
With two cohorts planned annually, the KSM VGC Digital Skills Initiative is set to become a sustainable platform for youth digital empowerment, aligning faith-based values with practical solutions to unemployment and skills gaps in Nigeria.