The Rise Up & Sparkle Initiative (RUSI) is set to equip young Nigerians with practical digital skills through the 2026 edition of its SparkHER Digital Bootcamp, a three-day programme designed to prepare girls and boys aged 15 to 19 for opportunities in the digital economy.
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1The free bootcamp, led by Mrs. Funmilola Omojola FNCS, FIIM, will hold from August 18 to 20, 2026, at RCCG, True Vine Parish, Agric, Ikorodu, Lagos.
The organisers said the programme is designed to give participants practical skills that can help them navigate the changing world of work, explore entrepreneurship and develop confidence in using technology to create solutions.
Training during the bootcamp will cover a range of digital and career-focused areas, including generative artificial intelligence, graphic design, video editing, app development and digital marketing.
Participants will also receive training in entrepreneurship, online safety, digital etiquette and mental health awareness.
Beyond classroom sessions, the programme will provide opportunities for mentorship, networking and hands-on learning. Participants are also expected to receive certificates and take part in prizes and giveaways.
According to Omojola, the initiative is driven by the belief that young people need more than access to technology; they need the skills and confidence to use it productively.
“Every young person deserves a chance to discover their potential. They should not only use technology but also create and innovate with it,” she said.
She described SparkHER as part of her effort to give back by creating opportunities for young people to develop skills that could shape their future.
“SparkHER is my way of giving back. Empowering one young person can transform a family, a community, and a nation,” she added.
The initiative comes at a time when digital skills are becoming increasingly important across education, employment and entrepreneurship.
For many young Nigerians, limited access to practical training can make it difficult to take advantage of opportunities created by the digital economy.
The organisers said SparkHER seeks to address this gap by combining practical training with mentorship and exposure to different career possibilities.
The bootcamp also aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
It supports SDG 4 on Quality Education by providing practical learning opportunities; SDG 5 on Gender Equality by promoting opportunities for young girls; SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth by developing employment and entrepreneurship skills; and SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through technology and innovation-focused training.
The organisers said the programme is designed to promote inclusive digital learning and help young participants develop skills that can improve their career readiness.
RUSI said empowering young people should be viewed as a shared responsibility involving government, businesses, civil society organisations, families and communities.
The initiative argues that equipping young people with relevant skills can create benefits that extend beyond individual participants.
A young person trained in digital skills can potentially become a freelancer, entrepreneur, technology professional or problem-solver. With the right support, participants can also use their skills to create opportunities for others.
The organisers are therefore calling for greater investment in youth development and digital education as Nigeria prepares for an increasingly technology-driven economy.
SparkHER Digital Bootcamp 2026 is being delivered by the Rise Up & Sparkle Initiative in partnership with RichCARE Medical Diagnostic and RCCG True Vine Parish.
The organisers said the ultimate goal is to help participants move from simply consuming technology to using digital tools to create, innovate and build opportunities for themselves and their communities.
