By 
DBI’s PCEO David and South East Youth Stakeholders Forum’s Onyirimba
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its support for digital capacity building and job creation for young people in Nigeria’s South East region. The President/CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), David Daser, provided this assurance in response to growing calls for greater federal government involvement. Daser spoke during a recent meeting with the South East Youth Stakeholders Forum (SEYSF) at the DBI headquarters in Abuja.
RELATED: Digital Bridge Institute partners with SBTS to equip Nigerian youth with advanced digital skills, create global job opportunities
The SEYSF represents various youth organizations across the South East geopolitical zone. It urged the DBI to accelerate development initiatives in the region to address longstanding socio-economic challenges.
SEYSF Raises Concerns Over DBI Enugu Campus
Led by Chairman Mazi Ezenwa Onyirimba, the SEYSF delegation expressed deep concern about the state of neglect and disrepair at the DBI Enugu campus. Onyirimba highlighted that the campus was envisioned as a hub for equipping South East youth with critical digital skills. But is underutilized, contributing to youth unemployment and dissatisfaction in the region.
“The DBI Enugu campus was established to empower our youth with the skills they need to thrive in a digital economy,” Onyirimba said.
“However, its current state does not reflect this vision. Reviving the campus is crucial to addressing the rising levels of discontent and economic disempowerment among our youth.”
Onyirimba underscored the strategic importance of the Enugu campus as a vehicle for tackling youth unemployment and advancing digital literacy. He urged the DBI to prioritize its revitalization.
DBI’s Commitment to Revitalization by February 2025
Responding to the concerns, DBI President/CEO David Daser assured the delegation that efforts were already underway to reactivate the Enugu campus. Daser announced a timeline of February 2025 for the campus’s full reactivation. He emphasized its importance in DBI’s broader agenda to promote digital transformation across Nigeria.
“We deeply appreciate your concerns and your commitment to youth development,” Daser stated.
“I assure you that the DBI Enugu campus is a priority for us. By February 2025, it will be fully functional as a world-class ICT training hub, creating capacity-building and employment opportunities for thousands of youths in the region.”
Daser revealed that DBI is already collaborating with technical and funding partners. This is to ensure the campus becomes a model for digital education and skill acquisition. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and recruit experienced faculty. In addition, DBI was expanding training programs to meet the demands of the evolving digital economy.
SEYSF Applauds the Initiative
The announcement was met with applause and optimism from the SEYSF delegation. Mazi Onyirimba described the initiative as a significant victory for the South East and the entire nation.
“This is not just a win for the South East; it’s a win for Nigeria,” Onyirimba said. “The revitalization of the DBI Enugu campus will be transformative, serving as a beacon of hope for our youths and a model for digital education in the country.”
The SEYSF pledged to work closely with DBI to ensure the successful realization of its plans for the Enugu campus while promoting digital inclusion across the South East.
A Step Towards Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide
The revitalization of the DBI Enugu campus marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to bridge the digital divide. It revs up government’s desire to equip its youth with skills to thrive in the global digital economy. With the Federal Government’s backing and DBI’s commitment to fostering digital transformation, the initiative is poised to empower thousands of young Nigerians and drive socio-economic development in the region.
