…As trainees receive certificates in AI, video tech
Catholics have been called upon to take the welfare of young people to heart by empowering those in need and assisting them to become gainfully employed and better citizens of the country. The charge was given by Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, Parish Priest, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Victoria Island, Lagos and Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, during the certification of graduates of artificial intelligence and video technology, held recently at the parish. Fr. Godonu lamented that many youths are unemployed, stating that the empowerment programme is much needed, especially at this time, as he added that it will make much impact on their lives. “
‘We are looking forward to more financial support from well-meaning parishioners in order that we continue, so that we can have it at least twice a year in order to empower these youths and take them off the street”. He disclosed that About 70 people started, but because of logistics, some of the students could not continue, and those that continued were successful in the training for which they have undergone. Mr. Obadayo Olufade, the artificial intelligence and video streaming lecturer, said the world is already being taken over by artificial intelligence, and machines are doing the work that human beings naturally do.
Among other things, he said the students are able to build websites in few minutes, do comprehensive business plans with a whole lot of case studies in no time, as well as write and publish books in less than an hour. On video streaming, he said the trainees have to do it professionally like it is done on major TV stations, like CNN, sky sport, adding that the students were taught how to do things professionally. Albert Adekunle Gomez, Coordinator of the empowerment programme, said with the experience they have gotten, many of the youths that were trained have started with their work, and are getting things done on time. On those who could not finish the training, he said some stopped because of logistics, some did not have laptops and software needed for AI.
According to him, “There are things you have to download. Without those downloads and proper computer knowledge, you can actually do nothing. I’m sure by the time we are doing this next time, a lot of them will return.” Esther Obiora, one of the graduates of cinematography said, it was a nice experience, adding that their tutor taught them how to use and set up the camera, as well as live stream events. Jerome, another graduate of cinematography, said he started the programme as camera novice but now, he can handle the camera professionally. Kelvin Abah, graduate of artificial intelligence, video streaming and editing, said due to his zeal and passion, before the end of the class, he was able to develop two models, stating that one model was built to predict the cost of building a house while the other model, Alexa is a virtual assistant.
Carl Leonard, also artificial intelligence and video editing graduate said the programme was an answered prayer for him because he had been looking for such opportunity. The best student in artificial intelligence, said the class exposed him to lots of things and before the end of the class, he was able to build a virtual assistance model. Lucy Ogbonna, graduate of artificial intelligence, video streaming and editing said she gained so much during the training process and she secured a contract, owing to the experience she gained. Getrude Udo, graduate of artificial intelligence and video editing, said it was a transforming programme.
She thanked the organisers, adding that she was now versatile in knowledge and her computer knowledge has improved. She said her passion to write books for Amazon and others can be realised now. The empowerment programme, organised by Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH), Victoria Island, in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, lasted for a period of three months, and over 50 youths were awarded certificates in different courses, including artificial intelligence, cinematography, video technology, video streaming and video editing.
