Diamond Bank Nigeria supports AbaLIFE training program for undeserved youth. AbaLIFE is an initiative of Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, which connects young people with ICT enabled opportunities to create better livelihoods through its ICT, entrepreneurship and life skill training. The acronym L.I.F.E. Stands for Life. Skills. ICT. Financial Readiness. Entreprenurship.

After 7 years of proving the concept and building a model in Ajegunle Lagos, PIN began to plan on scaling the training outside of Lagos because of the high demand. It started with a South East baseline study that led to the opening of a program office in Aba in August 2014, called the Aba Innovation Centre.

Following an orientation exercise, training commenced on Monday 20th October 2014 at Aba Innovation Center. 100 persons between the ages of 15 and 28 years were selected for the Aba L.I.F.E training program out of the 382 applicants.

As PIN worked to expand into the South East, they have partnered with Diamond Bank which has CSR interest in the region.

“It’s not just about financial support and gift items for students,” says ‘Gbenga Sesan, PIN Executive Director; “It is even better than that, Diamond Bank staff will volunteer to train Aba L.I.F.E youth. They will be able to tell Aba L.I.F.E trainees their own stories of change.” he continues.

According to Tope Ogundipe, Chief Operating Officer, Paradigm Initiative

Nigeria; “Thanks to Diamond Bank and other partners. This training allow will encourage us to meet with the community to discuss, reflect on the success of our initial engagement, and look forward to even more youths being trained in 2015.”

The first Aba L.I.F.E Town Hall Meeting is set hold Saturday 6 December, 2014.

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