GE offered a skills development partnership program for 25 entrepreneurs from Ondo state, Nigeria. The one-week program at the Ondo State Information Technology Agency was facilitated with help from the GE Lagos Garage, which provided equipment such as 3D printers, CNC mills, and laser cutters on which participants could be taught technical skills.
The entrepreneurs took part in a curriculum about advanced manufacturing and business development, including technical instruction in 3D printing, CAD designing, rapid prototype development, and basic subtractive manufacturing using CNC mills. Product branding and marketing were also included.
“We are happy to have held this training in Ondo because GE is committed to supporting skills development in Nigeria and across Africa,” said Director, Communications & Public Affairs, GE Africa, Patricia Obozuwa. “You will recall that we had a similar training for secondary school students in Lagos last year in collaboration with the Lagos State Vocational & Educational Board (LASTVEB). We do this because we see ourselves as partners in building a sustainable future for Nigeria and we believe that partnerships such as this are necessary if we are to overcome the country’s and Africa’s economic challenges.”
“It has been a very fruitful week courtesy GE and we are happy they partnered with us to empower our youth in Ondo,” said Ondo State Governor on ICT and Chair, State Information Technology Agency, ‘Olumbe Akinkugbe. “We look forward to more areas of potential collaboration in the near future with GE and other likeminded organizations, as we continue to promote and sustain entrepreneurship and employment through effective use of wealth creation strategies and resources.”
