Foundation Deepens Digital Economy Push, Gifts 25 Graduates HP Laptops

A non-governmental organisation, Yomi Denzel Foundation, has graduated over 40 young Nigerians trained in programming, artificial intelligence (AI) and data skills, with 25 outstanding students awarded new HP laptop computers at its 4th graduation ceremony themed “Empowering Nigerian Tech Future, One Young Mind at a Time.”

The foundation’s initiative aligns with the federal government’s push to strengthen the digital economy through the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme (3MTT), which aims to equip Nigerians with globally competitive digital skills.

Speaking at the event, the founder and vision leader, Yomi Denzel Olaniyi, said the foundation was designed as a launch pad for young people to transform their lives through technology.

“Today, I see more motivation. And I also see the results in the testimonials of students who were here a few years ago and have now completely changed their lives. They’ve gotten internships, jobs, and even started their own projects,” he said.

He said the programme was only the beginning of greater opportunities for beneficiaries.

“This foundation is not meant to be the end. The certification is not. It’s the start. This is like a stepping stone to where you want to go in the future,” he added.

Olaniyi explained that the foundation’s vision was inspired by his father’s struggle to access education, noting that a single act of support can change a life trajectory.

“That’s why we are doing it. We really believe that you can build a better future for you, your family, and your future family,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of personal responsibility to the graduands, “The only person that can make you succeed in your life is not me… It’s you. You are responsible for your success,” he added.

He also urged them to embrace emerging opportunities in AI, as the global tech landscape is rapidly evolving. “With AI now, you can do things that were completely impossible three years ago. If you keep working with the skills that you acquired, you will become very valuable,” he stated.

He further said that, through the foundation, he invested personal funds to provide tools for students’ growth.

“We decided to give brand new computers to all of the students that got the certificates, and I want to give you a tool to go further, to achieve more, to build a better life,” he said.

He added: “We gave 40 certificates for Python and 25 for DataCamp, and for all the 25 students that got DataCamp plus Python, we gave them computers.”

Coordinator of the foundation, Mrs. Temitoupe Oluwatukesi, said the initiative was born out of a vision to raise financially independent youths through technology.

“That experience inspired a lifelong vision to raise an army of financially independent young people who will build a strong foundation for an economically empowered Nigeria through technological skill development,” she said.

She added that the foundation has, over the past four years, continued to empower young Nigerians across states with practical digital skills and opportunities for economic growth.

A beneficiary, Oladipo Samuel, shared how the programme transformed his career, revealing that he has won 11 hackathons and secured internships after completing the training.

“I didn’t know anything about programming, but after the programme, I learnt Python and machine learning. I was an intern at Microsoft and later worked at GTBank,” he said.

He encouraged new graduates not to limit themselves, adding: “Do not get intimidated by your surroundings… This is a free world. You can always build and push yourself.”

Also speaking, Prof Olaniyi Adagunodo, the founder’s father, gave an emotional tribute to the founder, describing him as a dependable pillar who quietly impacts lives.