The U.S. government, through the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and with funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has helped launch the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Adolescents, and Young People (AYP) Technology Incubation Hub (FCT AYP Hub). The hub offers training in various technical skills, including robotics, digital marketing, mobile app development, web development, photography, and videography. It also provides important health information, focusing on HIV prevention and sexual health. For young people with HIV, the hub offers support to help them follow their treatment plans.
At the opening ceremony, which celebrated the first 50 graduates, David Greene, Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy, said: “This tech hub is more than just a learning center; it is a safe space where young people can learn, grow, and develop skills that will serve them for life.” He added that the project aims to create economic opportunities and nurture future leaders. Cole Gbolahan, the U.S. CDC Nigeria Deputy Director for Partner Management, who represented the Acting Country Director, explained that the hub helps young people develop personally and economically, giving them skills for the digital economy and beyond.
Through this initiative, the U.S. CDC, and its implementing partner the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, aim to reduce risks for young people, prevent HIV transmission, and support HIV-positive youth. This comprehensive approach empowers youth with the knowledge and skills for a healthier, more successful future.
