Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has advised young Nigerians to focus on acquiring practical digital and entrepreneurial skills rather than depending solely on academic certificates to succeed in today’s competitive economy.
The governor gave the charge during the launch of TechRise Cohort 3, a digital empowerment programme designed to train 850 youths across Abia State in high-demand technology skills.
Otti Says Digital Skills Are Key to Success
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Aba, Governor Otti stressed that the future belongs to young people who possess practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities capable of meeting modern economic demands.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, the governor said certificates alone are no longer enough to guarantee success in a rapidly evolving digital world.
He encouraged participants to take the training seriously and develop competencies that would make them globally competitive.
According to him, the programme was created to equip youths with relevant digital skills that can open doors to employment, innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.
TechRise Cohort 3 to Train 850 Abia Youths
The TechRise Cohort 3 initiative will run for three months and provide intensive training in several technology-driven fields, including software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, digital marketing, product design, and data engineering.
The programme forms part of the Abia State Government’s broader strategy to position the state as a growing technology and innovation hub in Nigeria.
Governor Otti explained that the initiative aims to transform youths from consumers of technology into creators of digital solutions capable of competing in the global economy.
Abia Government Expands Youth Empowerment Through Technology
The governor also disclosed that the state government has partnered with technology hubs and industry professionals to provide mentorship, internship placements, networking opportunities, and career support for participants after the training.
He noted that investing in digital education and innovation remains one of the administration’s priorities for reducing unemployment and empowering young people economically.
According to Otti, technology and innovation will continue to play a major role in driving economic growth and sustainable development in Abia State.
Officials Describe Programme as Major Step for Innovation
Speaking during the event, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka, described the initiative as a bold move towards building a digitally empowered generation.
She said the “AI FIRST” themed programme was designed to help youths gain practical knowledge that would prepare them for opportunities in the global digital economy.
Maduka added that the programme would help participants become innovators, creators, and future leaders rather than job seekers alone.
Participants Praise Otti’s Digital Empowerment Initiative
Some beneficiaries of the programme commended the Abia State Government for creating opportunities that could help youths build sustainable careers in technology.
Participants expressed optimism that the training would expose them to global opportunities, improve their employability, and enable them to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growing digital economy.