Tech Is No Longer Distant in Bonny; Here’s Why

A young tech enthusiast, Mr Pepple Richard, founder of Technoville, in collaboration with NLNG (as sponsor) and the Youth Resource Centre, has taken a bold step towards making the tech ecosystem accessible to young Nigerians, starting with a 100% free tech training program.

According to Mr Pepple, the program started a few years ago after discovering that many indigenous people had little or no exposure to the wide opportunities available in the tech space.

He explained that the initiative began with a roadshow program organised by Technoville.

“We moved from school to school, enlightening students about tech,” he said.

“This exposure often left them curious, hungry for more, and eager to put what they had learned into practice.”

In environments like Bonny, not everyone is aware that tech can be a real path to growth and opportunity. The Bonny Digital Literacy Initiative (BDLI) was created to shine a light on opportunities many young people had never seen before.

The program runs for six months and is designed especially for absolute beginners. Participants are given the chance to explore different tech fields and gain practical experience all at no cost.

The courses offered include:

Basic Computing

Web Design

Product Design

Data Analytics

Introduction to Robotics

Each session accommodates 50 students, who are trained and mentored on how to identify real-life problems and build solutions that matter.

The initiative is structured into two categories:

In-school program for secondary school students
Out-of-school program for undergraduates and graduates

Two different days are set aside weekly to ensure both groups are properly accommodated at convenient times.

How This Program Is Helping Young People

The goal is simple: to help young people see the world differently, become creators, and develop skills that can make them valuable in the workplace.

So far, some beneficiaries of the program have gone on to work with companies such as Cowrywise and Interswitch, while others are already making an impact in their schools and communities.

Several participants have also come together to build startups, turning ideas that once lived only in their minds into real projects.

The Challenges

Despite the progress made, the initiative faces some challenges. One major issue is the shortage of trainers and mentors. While there are a few trainers within the community, not all have the capacity to pass on their knowledge effectively.

In terms of mentorship, only a few mentors are available on-site. Most operate remotely, which makes physical guidance difficult when students need it most.

There is also a need for functional startups within the area, where trainees can gain hands-on industrial experience.

The organisation is calling for more sponsorship, support, and skilled trainers to help expand the Bonny Digital Literacy Initiative to more communities and, eventually, other parts of the world where such opportunities are needed.

For aspiring techies who would love to be part of the program, visit

https://bdli.technoville.co for more information.