In a momentous event marking its 15th anniversary, iCentra, a leading global business and technology solutions provider headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, with strategic offices in Texas, USA, and London, UK, has unveiled Project1500.
This initiative aims to empower 1,500 young professionals with critical skills in Project Management, Agile methodologies, and Digital Transformation.
The announcement was made by iCentra’s CEO, Taopheek Babayeju, during a Media Parley held to commemorate the company’s milestone anniversary.
The initiative, as highlighted by Babayeju, is not only a celebration of iCentra’s achievements but also a response to the pressing need for capacity building among young professionals, particularly in Africa.
In his speech, Babayeju emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating, “As part of our commitment to giving back, iCentra will be leading the execution of Project1500—a program initiated in recognition of my recent honor as the PMI Global Person of the Year 2024. This initiative is a testament to our belief that empowering the next generation is crucial to driving sustainable growth and transformation in the years to come.”
Project1500 is designed to equip young Africans with the skills necessary for thriving in today’s competitive job market, thereby addressing the skills gap prevalent in the region. Babayeju expressed plans for the initiative’s expansion, stating that while the focus will be on initial resource commitment, the company intends to extend this impactful program to various states across Nigeria.
In addition to Project1500, Babayeju unveiled three pivotal developments intended to shape the future of iCentra:
1. New Brand Identity: In alignment with its 15-year journey, iCentra is launching a refreshed brand identity that encapsulates the company’s evolution and future aspirations. “This new identity,” Babayeju shared, “embodies our vision, values, and the ambitious trajectory we are forging. iCentra is not just a company; it is a movement for transformation, innovation, and social impact.”
2. Launch of iCentra Project Development Company: The establishment of the iCentra Project Development Company marks a significant expansion in the company’s capabilities. This new division will focus on delivering large-scale capital projects, providing comprehensive project management and development solutions across various sectors. Babayeju emphasized that this move will enhance iCentra’s service offerings and solidify its standing in the industry.
3. Introduction of Cellbourn Holdings: As part of its diversification efforts, iCentra is proud to introduce Cellbourn Holdings, an investment company geared towards driving initiatives in technology, capital projects, energy, real estate, and media.
By creating this structure, Babayeju noted, iCentra aims to stay true to its mission of contributing to Africa’s development while ensuring a strong presence in crucial global markets.
The press conference was a vibrant gathering, attended by key members of iCentra’s leadership team, including Aliyu Ibrahim, Head of Business Support; Giwa Shewudeen, Board Member; Esther Shirley Atitebi, Manager of Solutions; and Lum Niba Ayinwi Ambe, Manager of Learning and Development.
Together, they echoed Babayeju’s commitment to innovation and social responsibility as the driving forces behind iCentra’s ongoing success and evolution.
As iCentra celebrates this significant milestone, the launch of Project1500 and its new strategic initiatives herald a new era of growth and opportunity, reflecting the company’s vision of not just being a leader in business solutions, but also a catalyst for change in the communities it serves.
