Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has urged young people in the state to prioritise practical digital skills and innovation rather than relying solely on academic certificates to succeed in the modern economy.
Governor Otti gave this advice during the launch of TechRise Cohort 3, a three-month intensive programme designed to equip 850 youths across the state with advanced digital and technology-based skills.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzo Nwachukwu, Otti encouraged participants to take advantage of the programme to become entrepreneurs, innovators, and employers of labour.
The Governor described TechRise as more than a training initiative, saying it represents a deliberate investment in the future of Abia youths.
According to him, the increasing influence of automation, artificial intelligence, and digital solutions in the global economy makes digital literacy essential for survival and growth.
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He said, “So do not just look for certificates. Seek deep competence and hands-on problem-solving skills. The digital marketing strategies you master here could scale a local business into a multi-national brand.”
“Techrise is not just a training programme but a strategic investment in the greatest assets of the state, which are the youths.”
“We live in an era where digital literacy is no longer an advantage but a basic necessity for survival and success. The global economy is shifting rapidly towards automation, artificial intelligence, and global digital solutions.”
Otti explained that the programme is aimed at transforming youths from consumers of technology into creators of digital solutions and economic value.
“Our goal with Abia Tech Christ is simple, yet audacious. We want to transform our youth from passive consumers of technology into active creators of digital value,” he added.
He further disclosed that the state government had partnered with technology hubs and corporate organisations to provide mentorship opportunities, internships, and freelance support for participants after the training.
Participants, he noted, would receive practical exposure in areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital marketing.
Speaking on behalf of local government chairmen in the state, Aba South Council Chairman, Hon. Obialo Anyanwu, described the initiative as an advanced digital empowerment programme capable of helping beneficiaries achieve self-reliance through technology.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka, said the programme, themed “AI FIRST,” aligns with the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and innovation-driven development.
Maduka explained that participants would undergo practical and industry-focused training in emerging areas, including machine learning, product design, data engineering, software development, and cybersecurity.
She described TechRise as “a declaration that Abia youths must no longer stand at the edge of global innovation but must become active creators, leaders and drivers of the digital future.”
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of LearnFactory Nigeria and Technical Coordinator of the project, Engineer Chibueze Ukaegbu, commended the state government for investing in youth development through technology-driven programmes.
One of the participants, Miss Chidera Igwe, expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity, saying the initiative would expose young people to valuable digital skills needed in today’s global economy.
