“The state’s huge investment in human capital development reflects the governor’s philosophy of “teaching people to fish,” rather than simply giving them fish'”
The automatic employment offered to the 19 best-performing graduates of the Abia TechRise and ICT training programme is a clear demonstration of Gov. Alex Otti’s commitment to empowering the youths of Abia State with the digital skills necessary to thrive in the 21st Century.
The digital training initiative, organised by the State Government, in collaboration with the 17 Local Government Mayors and LearnFactory Nigeria, underscores the governor’s deliberate and strategic approach to youth empowerment through the acquisition of modern, relevant skills in today’s digital era.
Since assumption of office, Gov. Otti has prioritised the training of teachers, health workers, civil servants, and youths in marketable skills that enhance professional competence and career advancement.
It will be recalled that the government previously sponsored 300 youths for training in modern agricultural techniques at CSS Integrated Farms in Nasarawa State.
The state’s huge investment in human capital development reflects the governor’s philosophy of “teaching people to fish,” rather than simply giving them fish – a promise clearly articulated in his election manifesto.
Youth empowerment in the new Abia means equipping young people with the tools and training they need to become self-reliant and competitive in the global market.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony held last Saturday, Gov. Otti urged the youths to become job creators rather than job seekers.
“Gone are the days of keke empowerment. Today, real empowerment means using what you have – your God-given potential. There’s no one you can write off,” he said.
He directed the Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, to work closely with the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as the Chief Information Officer, to ensure that the 19 top-performing participants were absorbed into the Abia State Civil Service starting Monday, May 12.
To ensure that all the 509 participants benefited from the initiative, the governor also directed that they retain the laptop they used during the training. He instructed his Chief Strategy Officer to maintain a follow-up platform to monitor their progress, offer further support, and link them up with relevant technology institutions.
Gov. Otti further announced that 850 new trainees – 50 from each of the 17 LGAs – would be enrolled for the next batch of the ICT training programme. He also gave assurance that each participant in the second phase would be provided with laptops to begin to apply their newly acquired skills.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, described the initiative as a transformative project that successfully equips youths with practical digital skills in just three months.
“Abia TechRise is more than a training programme. It’s a movement – a platform for unlocking the hidden potential of our youths and positioning them to thrive in the 21st Century digital economy,” he said.
Earlier, the CEO of LearnFactory Nigeria, Engr. Chibueze Ukaegbu, outlined the focus of the training on seven high-demand tech courses aligned with the needs of today’s digital world.
One of the graduates, Mr. Samuel Uchendu, expressed gratitude to Gov. Otti for the opportunity to be trained in cutting edge ICT fields, such as Digital Animation and Artificial Intelligence. He argued that the knowledge gained would significantly boost their productivity.
Obviously, Gov. Otti’s youth empowerment strategy is designed to make Abia’s young population globally relevant and competitive in an increasingly digitally-connected world.
The digital skills acquired through this initiative can open global opportunities – enabling participants to work remotely for companies like Google or Microsoft right from the comfort of their homes and get paid in foreign currencies.
The Abia TechRise ICT training programme deserves continuity, support and expansion to raise a generation of globally valuable youths.
This will not only reduce unemployment and youth restiveness but also enhance security and economic development and prosperity across the state and beyond.
#GovernorOttiIsBuildingTheNewAbia
#ToGodBeTheGlory
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, a journalist and public affairs analyst, writes from Umuahia
