GFA Technologies Unveils The Gateway Skills Program, an Initiative for Ogun State SMEs and Youths

In an evolving world of technology, innovation and upskilling, SMEs and young graduates can not be left out any longer as businesses now require rigorous knowledge intake, mind-tasking innovation, as well as great upskilling in order to be elevated to a spectacular sphere. 

On Thursday, February 29th, 2024, GFA Technologies, a visionary software company that builds cloud-based software solutions to address challenges encountered by SMEs, startups, corporations, and governments, partnered with the Ogun State Government to unveil the Gateway Skills Program Initiative.

The objective of the Gateway Skills Program is to provide vital digital literacy, entrepreneurship training, access to financing, mentorship, job placements, and income-generating opportunities to around 100,000 Small and Medium Enterprises and youthful inhabitants of Ogun State. Additionally, the initiative will engage in partnerships with local industries to support job placements, internships, and project-based assignments within the state.

The small and intimate launch event, took place at the renowned Olatomiwa Williams Hall, located within the Ogun Tech Hub in Abeokuta. Distinguished guests included Senator Shuaib Salisu Afolabi, who served as the special guest of honor in his capacity as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, alongside Mr. Dayo Abiodun, the Special Adviser on ICT to the Ogun State Governor. Also in attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Hastrup, Engr. Adesegun Fatoki, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, Honorable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology; amongst others.

The event commenced with a guided tour of the Ogun Tech Hub, a remarkable state-of-the-art facility where GFA Technologies is situated. 

Debo Omololu, the CEO of GFA Technologies, personally ensured that the guests gained insight into the operations at the company and the significant impact it intends to make on Ogun state.

During his welcoming address as the convener of the event, Debo provided valuable insights into the objectives and operational framework of the Gateway Skills Program initiative. He also took the opportunity to introduce the Digital Innovation Management Platform (DIMP), the designated platform for implementing the learning, development, and placement projects. 

“The plan, using the DIMP platform is to train initially a 100,000 people in various technology skills across the 82 different tech courses and licenses or certificates.” He further explained. 

He emphasized that upon completion, participants will have the chance to explore internship and job opportunities or gain access to the esteemed GFA marketplace. This platform will enable them to access job opportunities and projects globally, even from the comfort of their homes within Ogun state.

Debo underscored GFA’s commitment to making a significant impact in both Ogun state and Nigeria as a whole. 

He delivered a concise overview of the Ogun Tech Hub facility, home to GFA Technologies, emphasizing the essential components that will distinguish Ogun Tech Hub as an institution supporting GFA Technologies’ and Ogun State’s innovation vision. These components encompass co-working spaces, early-stage labs, and creative spaces, including a museum, gallery, event hall, and shops. Recreational areas will feature amenities such as a musical fountain, green space, and recreational park, alongside living estate developments.

As the event progressed, Senator Shuaib Salisu, who heads the Senate Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security, recognized the significance of this empowerment initiative. He believes that by providing digital skills to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMSEs), particularly in a state as promising as Ogun, Nigeria’s economic recovery will gain momentum. The state’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem offers substantial potential for development and innovation.

Additionally, during his remarks, Mr. Dayo Abiodun, the Special Adviser on ICT to the Ogun State government, reaffirmed his dedication to acquainting small business owners and recent graduates with the untapped benefits of the digital economy. The Gateway Skills Programme aims to provide participants with practical experience, certified skills, and immediate job opportunities. The goal is not just to impact knowledge but to empower individuals with the necessary skills for success.

The official commissioning of the Gateway Skills Program platform was officiated by Debo Omololu, CEO of GFA Technologies, with the assistance of distinguished guests in attendance. 

Registration which started the same day is set to conclude on March 28th, 2024, followed by the commencement of soft skills training from April 4th to May 2nd. To register for the program, please visit: Gateway Skills Program by GFA Technologies (gfa-tech.com)

Subsequently, learners will transition to technical skills training from May 2nd to May 27th. Progress in learning will be monitored closely. The training will cater to Job seekers, employed individuals, aspiring business owners, and established business owners, ensuring targeted support in training, skills development, and assistance with funding, placement, and overall support.

The event concluded with an engaging fireside chat focusing on the significance of digitization and technology for economic progress. The panelists included Prof Abayomi Arigbadu, the Honorable Commissioner for Education in Ogun state; Engr. Adesegun Fatoki, a Skills Development Specialist Consultant for the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (a World Bank-sponsored initiative); Mrs. Kemi Balogun, the Executive Director of Dsg. VTech. The discussion was expertly moderated by Mr. Dare Olanrewaju, CEO of Raoatech IT-Electromech.

GFA Technologies appreciated the esteemed guests, the Ogun State Government and most importantly, the key figures from the educational and governmental sectors who were present, including Prof. Arigbabu, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, and Mr. Dayo Abiodun, the Special Adviser to the Governor on ICT.

The Gateway Skills Program is a testament to the fact that GFA is big on community inclusion and development, especially that of Ogun State, Where GFA is located. However, GFA’s ultimate goal is to extend the skills program to the 36 states in Nigeria, ensuring that all SMEs and youths have access to the right skills, jobs and markets to showcase their talents and developments.