Tompolo Foundation, Tantita Trains 100 Youths, Distributes Laptops to Boost Digital Livelihoods

Ogheneruona Tejiri, Warri

Tompolo Foundation, in partnership with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and PEB ICT Services, has trained 100 young Nigerians in market-relevant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.

Beneficiaries were each provided with a state-of-the-art laptop, in a private-sector-led intervention aimed at improving youth employability and expanding participation in the digital economy.

The beneficiaries graduated at the conclusion of a six-month intensive I.C.T training programme fully funded by Tantita and implemented through the Tompolo Foundation and PEB ICT Services, marking another step in the organisations’ growing investments in human capital development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Engr. Kestin E. Pondi, Managing Director, Tantita Security Services Nigeria (TSSNL) said that the initiative was conceived to equip young Nigerians with practical skills that respond directly to the realities of today’s technology-driven economy.

According to High Chief Pondi, “the programme was designed with one clear objective: to empower our people, especially young Nigerians, with practical digital skills that are relevant in today’s world. Digital skills are no longer optional; they are essential for employment, entrepreneurship and global competitiveness.”

He explained that over the six-months training period, participants received intensive hands-on training in computer applications, web development, graphics design, cybersecurity and data analysis, he described the skill sets as globally relevant and capable of supporting self-reliance.

According to Engr. Pondi, the laptop distribution was a deliberate sustainability strategy to ensure that graduates can immediately apply what they have learned.

He added, “each participant is being provided with a laptop today. This is not merely a reward; it is a tool – a tool to practice, to work and to earn. By removing the barrier of access to basic ICT equipment, we are ensuring that the knowledge acquired here can be put to immediate and productive use”.

Engr. Pondi said early results from the programme had been encouraging, noting that many trainees now show improved competence, confidence and readiness for the digital workplace, while some have already begun applying their skills.

He also highlighted the programme as evidence of what strategic partnerships between the private sector and development-oriented foundations can achieve.

The Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited spoke further, “this programme reflects the power of collaboration. I commend PEB ICT Services for their professionalism and quality delivery, and I acknowledge the Tompolo Foundation for its lasting commitment to human capital development. At Tantita, we remain firmly committed to initiatives that empower our teeming youths.”

The Tantita boss urged the beneficiaries to deploy their skills responsibly and ethically, adding, “with this training and these tools comes responsibility. Use them wisely, not for fraud, but to add value to your lives, your communities and our nation at large.”

Also speaking, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Chief Executive Officer of PEB ICT Services commended Tantita Security Services and the Tompolo Foundation for sustaining the programme, describing the initiative as a practical model for tackling youth unemployment through skills acquisition.

According to Dr. Bebenimibo, “we commend Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL)for its commitment to youth empowerment and for fully funding this programme. We are proud to have delivered quality training to these young people, and we look forward to expanding the initiative to other parts of the country.”

He said that the partners plan to build on the success of the pilot batch by scaling up the training, with the long-term goal of creating a pipeline of digitally skilled youths capable of securing jobs, starting small technology businesses and competing in the global digital marketplace.

Dr. Bebenimibo added, “initiatives of this nature are critical to Nigeria’s broader economic diversification drive, as digital skills continue to play a central role in productivity growth, innovation and inclusive development.”