By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AMID the economic challenges Nigerians grapple with a nonprofit organization, the Makoji Kelvin Ibrahim (MKI) Foundation, has doled out full-year scholarships for 50 students.

This was made known by the Founder, MKI, Makoji Kelvin Ibrahim during the concluded Bridge Nigeria Summer Boot Camp in Idah,Kogi State, where also capacity over 300 teenagers was built along various skills that would add value to their lives, families and society.

Ibrahim who was elated and optimistic about the beneficiaries said the boot camp was basically to equip the young adults with the right mindset and skills to prepare them for the future.

He said also stressed that it is very important and cardinal in dedicating time to empower young people with critical and basic skills and quality mentorship.

For these to be realized the Foundation collaborated some with local businesses in Idah area including mechanics, barbers make-up artists, bakers, small chops vendors, and fashion designers, to train and transfer the knowledge and skill to the youths various skills.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Boot Camp had five schools in Idah partner with the Foundation This year, the Foundation including St. Peters College, St. Kizito Seminary Secondary School, Polytechnic Secondary School, Government Technical College, and Holy Rosary Secondary School.

The Foundation also awarded certificates to all participants and full-year scholarships to the 50 benefiting students.

He said: “Our goal is to equip these young adults with the right mindset and skills to prepare them for the future.

“We trained them in computer literacy, financial literacy, software development, and also taught them not to rely solely on white-collar jobs.”

He also added that, “Empowering young people is a passion project for me, and we chose to give scholarships to some students to impact the less privileged who may not be able to pay us back.

“We hope to expand our reach next year to include more children in Idah, Kogi State, and eventually across Nigeria.”

The Deputy State Commander of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Abdullahi Zuwaira, in a special lecture, pointed out the dangers of engaging in drug abuse to the participants.

Zuwaira said “Our goal is to catch them young and teach them the right things before they are influenced by others. This is a great initiative by the MKI Foundation.”

Meanwhile, the Executive Director, Virtuous Reusable Pads, Tabitha Abimiku, explained why her organisation partnered with the MKI Foundation for the 2024 Bridge Summer Boot Camp, which they provided 114 young school girls with reusable pads, and also to basically to empower with basic skills youth to overcome economic and societal challenges and envision a brighter future.

“Our participation in this boot camp was beyond just words but about action. We partnered to provide 114 young school girls with reusable pads, ensuring they don’t have to miss school due to a lack of menstrual products.

“By partnering with MKI, we are not only supporting these girls but also working to ensure they have the tools, support, and confidence to thrive, no matter their circumstances. Together, we’re making a difference in their lives, helping them reach their full potential”, Abimiku said.

One of the teenagers, Simon Emmanuel, said he and his peers had learned a lot and would like to be there again next year,and said the knowledge and skills gotten would be properly used.

“I learned that there is no shortcut to success, but there is a fast way to succeed, which is through education.

“I also learned that acquiring skills in addition to formal education can help me make money in this economy”, Emmanuel added.