From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has flagged off a 3 month advanced digital skills training programme for 850 Abia youths aimed at empowering them to fit into the digital demands of the 21st century. The programme is codenamed Techrise Cohort 2.
This was coming after the state trained 510 youths in May, under TechRise Cohort 1, with 19 outstanding of the trainees gaining automatic employment into the Abia State Civil Service.
Speaking at the event, Otti said the Techrise is a declaration of his government’s unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, the Governor charged participants to utilise the opportunity to become entrepreneurs, innovators, and job creators, who would contribute to the economy of Abia state.
“This is the second cohort where we will be training and empowering 850 of our youth, 50 from every local government.
“Our vision is to transform our state into a hub of digital excellence, a place where young people are not just beneficiaries of technology, but creators of technology.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka informed that the 850 participants were shortlisted from among over 8,000 applications.
She described the 2nd cohort programme as the beginning of a transformational and exciting experience for the participants.
Chairman of Umunneochi LGA, Hon. Sunday Afuruobi who spoke on behalf of other LGA chairmen, thanked Governor Otti for the opportunity granted to the youths of Abia to be trained in ICT.
Hon. Afuruobi urged the participants not to toy with the the training but to develop the ‘can-do spirit’ of the Igbo man and ensure they become employers of labour in the nearest future.
The CEO of LearnFactory Nigeria and technical coordinator of TechRise project, Chibueze Ukaegbu said the youths would be exposed to exceptional technical skills, particularly in 10 cutting-edge skills that are in demand across the globe.
Some of the participants including Joshua Emezue and Ngozi Friday said they expect to improve on ICT and be able to be self employed after the training.
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