GE “Garages” to promote job growth in Nigeria – Lazarus Angbazo

Mr Lazarus Angbazo

Mr. Lazarus Angbazo, President and CEO of General Electric (GE) Nigeria, has stated that GE’s Garages program will promote job growth in Nigeria.

GE Garages which was recently launched in Nigeria is an innovation and manufacturing centre where aspiring makers and entrepreneurs can go to develop new skills and learn about advanced manufacturing technologies

The skills training program, which will run till July 11, 2014 at GE’s regional headquarters in Lagos, Angbazo further stated will bring together local partners including the Dangote Foundation and global partners including company employee activation specialist, Points of Light, to support sustainable skills and job growth in the country.

Garages Nigeria is featuring curated speakers sessions and workshops amidst a fully equipped fab lab where participants can work with technical experts and use advanced hardware and software to bring their ideas to life, using equipment like CNC mills, laser cutters, 3D printers, and electrical engineering kits to quickly and collaboratively create new parts and prototypes.

In partnership with the Dangote Foundation and other local partners, Garages Nigeria will expand into a program dedicated to training skilled entrepreneurs, employable workers and creating employment opportunities amongst service suppliers within the growing Power Generation sector.

GE Africa President and CEO Jay Ireland said, “With more than 400 employees in Nigeria and 1,800 employees across 35 countries in the Africa region, GE is committed to supporting economic growth in Africa and driving both awareness and education on entrepreneurship via technology, hardware and software innovations in the industry.”

GE

As a significant stakeholder within the Nigerian private sector, the Dangote Foundation will help produce and maintain the training program and will collaborate on curriculum development for aspiring entrepreneurs. With the help of GE Foundation partner Points of Light, GE will activate its 400+ employees in Nigeria, as well as the global African Affinity Forum within GE, to create a network of mentors, coaches and teachers for program participants.

Director of the Dangote Foundation Adiahmbo Odaga said, “I am delighted to work with GE to set up a learning environment that is different from the traditional classroom. This program is unique in that it is focused in both the classroom, as well as in the real-world – providing hands-on training in advanced manufacturing and production technology.”

GE Foundation President and Chief Diversity Officer Deb Elam said, “GE created the Garages experience in 2012 to reinvigorate interest in invention, innovation and manufacturing. Building on past successes in New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., Garages will foster a culture of collaboration in the Nigerian market, across GE, and makers and entrepreneurs around the world. We are thrilled to be working with the Dangote Foundation and Points of Light to support sustainable skills development in Nigeria.”