The Abia State Government has flagged-off a digital skills training program for youth in Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Areas.
The training, hosted at the CBT centre in Mbato Secondary School, Eziama Nvosi, is aimed at equipping 1,500 participants with essential digital skills.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, revealed that the program had already started in Aba for participants from Abia South, with plans to extend it to Abia North and emphasized the significance of digital skills.
“Digital skills are essential in the 21st century for many reasons, including: Career readiness, Education, Everyday life, Social connection, Critical thinking, Innovation, etc.
“It is with the intention to avail our young people digital skills that will open doors for great opportunities that we have decided to partner with them LEARN FACTORY to train and empower 5,000 Abia youths in Isiala-Ngwa North and South today, using this ICT Hub.
“This program which will last for a period of 3 months has started in Abia South, precisely at Aba. Our intention is to spread the program across the 3 Senatorial Zones,” he said.
He encouraged the trainees to approach the program with dedication, adding, “We are preparing your mind to start leading your best intended life, community and the world today and not wait till tomorrow. You must take this training seriously to make the best out of it, for your good and for the good of the society.”
He said the programme aligns with the Policy Thrust of Governor Otti’s aimed at creating sustainable empowerment for Abia youths. He further appreciated Senator Darlington Nwokocha for allowing the use of his ICT hub, describing it as “an eloquent testimony of the resolve of every good spirited Abian to build a new Abia.”
The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. David Kalu, emphasized that the training would empower participants for life and contribute to the state’s development. He urged the youths to challenge themselves and strive for excellence, with the hope that their skills would be used to solve local problems in Abia State.
In his address, the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Vivian Obilor, commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic approach to combating unemployment and ensuring Abia youths remain relevant in the global digital economy. She pledged full support for the program and praised Governor Otti for prioritizing human capital development.
Furthermore, Mr. Chibueze Ukaegbu, Chief Executive Officer of LEARNFACTORY Nigeria, disclosed that the program would train participants in seven digital skill areas, including website development, digital arts and animations, artificial intelligence, and data engineering. He urged the youths to seize the opportunity to become globally relevant and thanked Governor Otti for making the initiative possible.