The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) today received a high-powered delegation from the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) at its Lagos Learning Centre, marking the beginning of a transformative collaboration aimed at equipping military retirees with cutting-edge digital skills for post-service life.
The delegation, led by NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Bashiru Rimi Mamman, and other senior officers, was warmly received by Mr. Akin Ogunlade, Head of DBI Lagos Campus, on behalf of the President/CEO of DBI, Mr. Daser David.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Ogunlade gave a comprehensive overview of DBI’s mandate as an international centre for ICT development, established by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), with campuses strategically located across all six geopolitical zones, Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Yola, and Asaba. He emphasized DBI’s commitment to bridging Nigeria’s digital divide by providing accessible, world-class ICT education and training to diverse sectors of society.
He also expressed appreciation for the role NAFRC plays in maintaining security and stability around the Lagos Campus. Highlighting DBI’s 21-year legacy, Mr. Ogunlade spoke about flagship programs such as:
Advanced Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADEPTI): sponsored by NCC
ICBM Program: in collaboration with SBTS Group
Skills to Wealth Program – with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs
The recent designation of DBI Lagos as a Talent City by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani
These initiatives, he noted, align directly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on digital empowerment, job creation, and national transformation.
He further introduced DBI’s National Innovation Diploma (NID) programs in fields such as Network Security, Multimedia Technology, Software Engineering, and Computer Hardware Engineering. He emphasised DBI’s flexibility to co-develop customized training curricula for NAFRC’s 33 vocational trade areas, ensuring relevance and impact for military retirees. Additionally, Mr. Ogunlade informed the visitors about DBI’s upcoming ICT Summer Bootcamp in August and encouraged NAFRC to consider enrolling their wards in the hands-on digital learning program tailored for young learners.
In his response, AVM Bashiru Rimi Mamman commended DBI’s warm hospitality and impressive infrastructure. He emphasized the synergy between DBI’s digital skills agenda and NAFRC’s mission to reintegrate military personnel into society through skill acquisition. He noted NAFRC’s ongoing training in 33 vocational trades and expressed strong interest in partnering with DBI to provide tech-driven upskilling for retiring personnel.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of DBI Lagos, allowing the NAFRC delegation to inspect the facilities, innovation labs, and learning environment firsthand.
NAFRC Delegation Included:
AVM Bashiru Rimi Mamman: Commandant
Brig. Gen. Inuwa: Director of Finance
Commodore OD Nnatu: Director of Logistics
Gp Capt. GH Okoh: Deputy Director, Logistics
Gp Capt. Bappa: Deputy Director, Coordination
Lt. Col. PS Green: Maintenance Officer
Commander CP Ochei: Public Relations Officer
Major OO Bello: Communications Officer
DBI Team Included:
Mr. Akin Ogunlade: Head, Lagos Campus
Mr. Ikenna Ogbanufe: Learning & Development
Miss Geraldine Essien: Business Development
Mrs. Talatu Seye Lawal: Corporate Services
Mr. Sanusi Bala: Internal Audit
Mr. Israel Baiye: Tech Hub & IT Support
This landmark engagement underscores DBI’s role as a national hub for innovation, workforce development, and digital transformation. The Institute remains committed to building strong alliances with government and private stakeholders to address national security, economic resilience, and human capital development in the digital era.
