Ferdinand Ekechukwu
Forty software engineers recently graduated as the first Cohort of Astra Foundation, Fellowship and Leadership Programme, at a ceremony held at the Alliance Francaise, Lagos.
Bode Pedro, the Founder of Astra Fellowship, is one of those shoulders that the 40 fellows would be standing to play their part in creating products that would provide solutions to several socio-economic problems facing the country. As a result of his expertise in working across several startups and establishing businesses in Nigeria, Padro plays an integral role in shaping the tech ecosystem from computer manufacturing to insurtech.
He was responsible for growing Veda to become an integral part of Nigeria’s local manufacturing industry pioneering local computer design, and the local assembly of Veda branded computers and related hardware. With his Astra Fellowship, a nonprofit organization building Nigeria’s largest inclusive community of young tech professionals and Innovators, its first cohort of 40 software engineers underwent a month-long free training programme.
Through the fellowship, the programme would empower a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs and career professionals catalyzing economic growth, soft skills and job creation across Nigeria and Africa. Pedro, has worked with and mentored several young professionals in the tech industry – most of whom have successfully built their ventures and are thriving in the business world.
Charging the fellows at the graduation ceremony, Pedro urged the participants to utilized the programme to see themselves as a problem seekers in the society in other to provide solutions He called on them to be more data-driven, accessible, and socially impactful to build products that leverage technology, behavioral science, and empathy in solving various socio economic problems in the countries.
He said that the platform would allow young professionals to acquire leadership and management skills, knowledge of business strategy, and other essential qualities, tools, and resources imperative for personal and career development.
“A Vibrant Community of lifelong learners who can continue to support each other and share their knowledge and expertise. Accredited Leadership Certificate: All cohort students will be given a certificate upon completion of the program and exclusive membership status: Astra fellows have access to useful resources and a pool of career opportunities, exclusive virtual and in-person career and business fairs, mentorship programs and so many more.”
He explained that at the one-month training programme fellows were exposed to management & leadership, fundamentals of management, foundation for decision making, leadership styles and approaches and authentic leadership. Others according to him, includes, soft skills, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, business etiquette and workplace ethics, effective communications skills, negotiation Skills and conflict resolution
He noted that, while for business strategy & entrepreneurship, participants were exposed to entrepreneurship and small business management, innovation and the marketPlace, traditional vs entrepreneurial marketing, financing startups and small businesses.
He revealed that fellows were also equipped with how to grow and scale small businesses, presentation skills and the art of pitching, key concepts in strategy, the internal business, strategic tools for specific industry environments, strategic tools for the general business environment and creating business strategies.
Speaking during a firechat session, the Co-founder of Kobo360, Obi Uzor, admonished the fellows to seek opportunities in learning either by internship or paid job in an already established firm to understand rudiments of business.
He equally urged young people not to be caught up in the euphoria of being founders, “seek to become a COO first to learn before thinking of starting your own. Also try to have a support system that would help you during your tough days.
Commenting also, the COO of Flutterwave, Bode Abifarin, urged developers to understand the importance of documentation and product service development. According to her, “even though they earn much due to the value they bring, they must also try to understand the need for proper documentation and customer service and being able to market their product.”
Meanwhile, for the facilitators, lead Professor, Bamidele Wale-Oshinowo and Assistant Professor, Kenneth Ikenwa, both of University of Lagos, agreed that the programme right from conception there were no reasons to doubt the visioner.
Reiterating the above, Wale-Oshinowo, called on the fellows, to keep their eyes on people, platforms and customers that would be using their products. “They must put into action all they have learnt to gain traction in order to create value, because, is about developing solutions to problems facing the country and not about getting certification.”
Sharing their experiences and what the fellowship will help them to achieve, Astra’s 2023 fellowship cohorts reiterated that the journey has been worthwhile and promised to utilise all they have learned so far. They equally noted that the Astra Fellowship had a profound impact on both their personal and professional growth.
While some it has instilled in them an entrepreneurial mindset enabling them to tackle challenges with a solution-oriented perspective. For a Java developer, Chikodinaka Ann Anyanwu, her goal is to make a meaningful impact in the technology space by applying the newfound expertise and the possibilities that lie ahead and the difference she can make in the field.
Also for NET engineer, Kehinde Jejelaye, being an Astra Fellow has given her a great opportunity to learn and develop while also introducing her to mentors who have inspired her and other like-minded people who share her enthusiasm for innovation and entrepreneurship.
She explained that the emphasis on reflection and authentic leadership has been a standout feature of the programme for her reflection because it allows her to replay, analyze, and correct her actions relative to her goals, which has given her the self-assurance and empowerment to pursue my entrepreneurial goals, likewise how to handle things moving forward.
