US consulate launches emerging tech conference in partnership with Nigerian firms
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
An initiative to equip young Nigerian technicians with skills and knowledge to excel in their trades and build sustainable businesses has been launched by the United States consulate in Lagos.
The Emerging Technicians Conference was launched in partnership with the Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy.
A group of 120 emerging technicians – from a range of fields such as plumbing, electrical work, automobile mechanics, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), solar systems design and installation, data science, and web development – was selected for mentorship in the six-month program.
The conference, designed to foster entrepreneurial know-how, provided the participants with insights into the evolving landscape of in-demand technical fields, the importance of continuous skills development, and the role of innovation in driving career success.
Participants also networked with industry professionals and gained practical knowledge on business management, branding and marketing, customer service, as well as basic accounting processes to improve access to future financing opportunities and scale their businesses.
Acting US Consul General JoEllen Gorg in her remarks at the American Corner Ikeja highlighted the US Mission’s longstanding commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses in Nigeria.
She reiterated that promoting economic resilience through technical training creates jobs and expands opportunities for young people; drives mutually beneficial innovation, trade, and investment; and builds a strong foundation for shared prosperity for both of our two countries.
“Technicians and artisans are vital to a thriving economy,” she said.
“By providing entrepreneurship training, resources, and networking opportunities, we are championing high-quality craftsmanship and empowering the next generation of technicians to thrive in an ever-changing job market.
US Consulate General Facilities Manager, Cynthia Gwaro, alongside industry leaders such as Christiana Okenla (Head of Customer Relations at Equinix West Africa) and Zansi Adebowale (Key Accounts Manager for Anglophone West Africa at Daikin) shared expertise and connected participants with resources to help them build successful businesses.
Omowale Ogunrinde, Executive Director of Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy, pitched the significance of aligning technical workforce training with rapid technological advancements.
“This initiative invests in one of Nigeria’s most valuable resources – its youth,” he stressed. “By nurturing local talent in key technical fields, we can accelerate innovation and economic growth.”
An HVAC technician who participated in the program, Khadijat Ajagbe, said: “The Emerging Technicians Conference has equipped me with essential business and technical skills, from fostering industry connections to understanding how innovation drives business growth. Learning from experienced professionals has been truly impactful.”
The US consulate enthused that over the next couple of weeks, participants will continue to work with Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy as they use their new skills and knowledge to further hone their crafts, scale their businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s long term economic growth and development.
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