Sen. Liyel Imoke’s pet project, the Bridge Leaderhsip Foundation, has empowered 45,000 youths in capacity building and technological innovation training from 2011 till date.
Imoke, a former governor of Cross River, disclosed this during the 9th Career Day of the Foundation held on Saturday in Calabar.
He said the foundation’s focused on Leadership and Community Development Programme, Teachers Support Programme, Transformational Mentoring Programme and Grooming Enterprise Leaders.
According to him, the theme of the 9th Career Day ‘Technology and Innovation: Opportunities, Challenges and the Future’ was selected to deepen the knowledge on technology and its radical life changing innovations.
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He explained that the mission of the foundation was to raise a community of inspired, equipped and influential young leaders.
The former governor stressed the need for governments at all levels to increase funding in technology and its relevant infrastructure to enhance youth productivity.
“Today, we have over 5,000 young participants in this hall who are ready to share the thought of a new generation. We are happy that we are raising a generation of transformational leaders.
“Since 2011, the Foundation has addressed gaps in the provision of practical leadership model for young people and has over the years provided platforms designed to develop, mentor and empower these young people to maximise their potentials,” he said.
Gov. Emeka Ihedioha of Imo commended Imoke for sustaining the programme for 11 years and even after leaving office since 2015.
Ihedioha said that the country was in dire need of honest leaders with new ideas that can move the nation forward.
According to him, in the new age of technology and innovation, it was important for youths to explore their skills by using technology for self sustainance.
“Nigeria is in dire need of honest leaders with new ideas. In this age of technology and innovation; if you work hard, you will attain greatness.
“I must commend Imoke for investing knowledge, technology and innovation in the minds of our future generations,” he said.
One of the speakers at the event, Mr Mitchell Elegbe, Founder of Interswitch, said that technology has the power and ability to transform a society.
Elegbe pointed out that he attended the event to inspire young Nigerians to look inward by using technology to create wealth. (NAN)
