Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has launched the TechRise Cohort 2, a three-month digital empowerment programme designed to equip 850 youths with advanced ICT skills to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at Hotel De La Paix, Aba, the Governor—represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu—said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to building a digitally driven economy and transforming Abia into a hub of technological excellence.
Otti explained that participants were selected from over 8,000 applications across the state, with 50 youths representing each local government area. He recalled that during the maiden edition held in May 2025, 510 youths were trained, with 19 outstanding graduates given automatic employment in the Abia State Civil Service.
“This training is a life-changing opportunity and a springboard. Use the knowledge and skills you will acquire to build careers, businesses, and legacies. Dedicate yourselves fully to the learning process, embrace challenges, and innovate. The future belongs to those who create, not just consume technology,” Otti charged the participants.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka, described the programme—tagged “We are Defining the Future”—as the beginning of a transformational journey that will prepare the youths for the global digital economy.
The Mayor of Umunneochi LGA, Hon. Sunday Afuruobi, alongside senior government officials, lauded the Governor for the initiative and urged participants to take the training seriously, stressing that it could make them job creators rather than job seekers.
Technical coordinator of the project and CEO of LearnFactory Nigeria, Engineer Chibueze Ukaegbu, said participants would be trained in 10 globally relevant digital skills, alongside entrepreneurship and personal development.
Some participants, including Joshua Emezue and Ngozi Friday, expressed gratitude to the Governor, saying the programme would boost their ICT competence and improve their economic prospects.
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