KSM VGC Introduce CSR Digital Skills Programme to Boost Youth Employability

In line with its commitment to social responsibility and youth empowerment, the Knights of Saint Mulumba (KSM), Victoria Garden City Subcouncil, Lagos State, has launched a corporate social responsibility (CSR) driven digital skills acquisition programme aimed at preparing young people for Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
The initiative, which commenced over the weekend, admitted 23 young participants into its inaugural cohort. Drawn from diverse backgrounds, the beneficiaries were selected based on their interest in building practical, future-ready skills that can enhance employability, encourage entrepreneurship and promote economic self-reliance.
Designed as a long-term empowerment intervention rather than a one-off support initiative, the programme addresses widening digital skills gaps and rising youth unemployment.

Training modules cover high-demand areas such as digital marketing, web development, data analytics and cyber security, with strong emphasis on hands on learning, problem-solving and real world application.
At the launch, leaders of the Victoria Garden City Sub council explained that the programme reflects KSM’s CSR philosophy of equipping individuals with sustainable skills that enable them to create value within their communities. They noted that the initiative draws inspiration from faith based values while responding practically to socio economic challenges facing young Nigerians.
The training model is built around active participation, requiring trainees to develop projects, test solutions and apply acquired skills through interactive sessions. This approach is expected to prepare participants for both local employment opportunities and participation in the global digital workforce.
Participants were formally welcomed with a goodwill message that emphasised discipline, consistency, collaboration and curiosity as essential traits for success in the digital space. Organisers stressed that digital competence has become a critical driver of economic relevance and competitiveness in today’s world.

The programme will be delivered primarily through online platforms, combining live and recorded sessions, expert-led instruction and practical simulations to ensure measurable outcomes. The subcouncil has also pledged ongoing institutional support to sustain quality delivery and programme continuity.
With plans to run two cohorts annually, the initiative is positioned to evolve into a sustainable CSR platform for youth empowerment. It underscores the growing role of faith-based organisations in aligning social values with practical interventions that tackle unemployment and skills shortages, particularly among young people navigating Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.

The organisers further noted that beyond technical training, the programme also integrates soft skills development, including teamwork, ethical practice, problem-solving and adaptability, which are essential for success in the digital workplace. By combining technical competence with character development, the initiative seeks to produce well rounded individuals who can contribute responsibly to society. According to the sub council, partnerships with industry professionals and digital practitioners will be explored to expose participants to mentorship, networking opportunities and real-life industry insights. This collaborative approach is expected to bridge the gap between learning and employment, while increasing participants’ readiness for freelance, remote and startup opportunities within the digital ecosystem.The digital skills programme aligns with broader national and global development goals, particularly youth inclusion, decent work and economic growth.

By investing in human capital development at the grassroots level, the initiative demonstrates how community based and faith driven organisations can play a meaningful role in addressing structural unemployment and supporting sustainable development.As Nigeria’s economy continues to evolve with technology at its core, initiatives such as this highlight the impact of purpose-driven CSR interventions in creating pathways for youth to thrive. The Knights of Saint Mulumba, Victoria Garden City Subcouncil, reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the programme’s reach and ensuring that more young people are equipped with the tools needed to participate productively in the digital economy.