The Somolu Local Government, in collaboration with Techsheperd, has successfully concluded its three-week Summer ICT Bootcamp, “TechSparkle2024,” with a grand closing ceremony held on August 28, 2024. The event, which took place at the New Somolu Secretariat in Bashua, Lagos, was a major milestone in the local community’s push towards technological innovation.
The boot camp attracted 89 enthusiastic kids and teens and was designed to spark interest in technology and equip the younger generation with essential ICT skills. The participants, aged 4 to 14, were immersed in various activities that covered everything from basic computer literacy to more advanced topics like coding, robotics, and digital creativity.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the organizer of the event and Special Adviser to the Somolu Council Chairman on ICT, Hon. Olukolade Muhammed, expressed his delight at the success of the initiative. He emphasized the importance of such programs in preparing the youth for a future that is increasingly dominated by technology.
“This initiative is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in our community,” Hon. Muhammed said. “Our goal with #TechSparkle2024 was to provide our young ones with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the digital age. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved here.”
Throughout the three weeks, participants engaged in hands-on training sessions and interactive workshops led by experts in various fields of technology. They had the opportunity to work on real-world projects, which allowed them to apply what they learned in a practical setting. The culmination of these efforts was showcased at the closing ceremony, where several participants presented their projects, demonstrating their newly acquired skills to an audience of parents, community leaders, and local dignitaries.
The event was attended by key figures in the Somolu Local Government, including the Chairman, Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu ‘Dullar’, who lauded the initiative as a crucial development for the community. He highlighted the importance of equipping the younger generation with tech skills, noting that the future of work is heavily reliant on technology.
“I am thrilled to see the impact that #TechSparkle2024 has had on our children and teenagers,” Hon. Salawu remarked. “This boot camp has not only introduced them to the world of technology but has also inspired a new generation of innovators and problem-solvers right here in Somolu.”
The success of #TechSparkle2024 has sparked discussions about making the boot camp an annual event, with plans to expand its scope and reach even more young people in the coming years. The local government, in partnership with Techsheperd, is already looking at ways to build on the momentum generated by this year’s program.
As the curtains draw on #TechSparkle2024, the participants leave with more than just memories-they depart with newfound skills, confidence, and a passion for technology that will undoubtedly shape their futures and, by extension, the future of Somolu.
“With initiatives like these, Somolu is steadily positioning itself as a hub for technological innovation in Lagos, empowering its youth to take the lead in the digital revolution”. Said Hon. Olukolade.
