TechRise: Otti Tasks Trainees on Utilising Opportunity to Become Entrepreneurs, Job Creators

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has flagged off the TechRise Cohort 2, a 3-month programme aimed at empowering Abia youths with advanced digital skills to fit into the digital demands of the 21st century.

Speaking at the event held in Aba, Governor Alex Otti described the programme as a declaration of his government’s unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation.

The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu urged them to utilise the opportunity to become entrepreneurs, innovators, and job creators, who would contribute to the State’s economy.

Governor Otti, who disclosed that 850 young people are benefiting in the cohort 2, recalled that the first cohort, the had 510 youths, 19 of which were offered automatic employment into the State civil service.

He noted that his vision is to transform the state into a hub of digital excellence.

“This is a life-changing opportunity for all of you that should not be taken for granted. You were selected from many. We have over 8,000 applications and then through the CBT, only 50 could be taken from every local government.

“This training is a springboard. Use the knowledge and skills you have acquired to build a career, a business, and a legacy.

“So dedicate yourself fully to the learning process, the future rewards, hard work, and continuous learning. Innovate and collaborate,” Gov. Otti stated.

The governor expressed commitment to a sustained collaborative approach to curb unemployment and empower among the youth and advised the participants to embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka noted that the 850 participants were shortlisted from among about eight thousand applications received for the 2nd cohort.

Maduka described the TechRise as an experience that would redefine the future of the participants and launch them into the 21st century digital economy.

She urged participants to approach the programme with dedication and seriousness as they would be expected to make their contributions in the technologically demanding world, at the end of the 3-months programme.

Speaking on behalf of the Local Government Mayors, the Mayor of Umunneochi LGA, Sunday Afuruobi thanked Governor Alex Otti for the opportunity granted to the youths of Abia to be trained in ICT.

Afuruobi stressed the need for the participants not to toy with the training but urged them to develop the ‘can-do spirit’ of the Igbo man and ensure they become employers of labour in the nearest future.

In their various speeches, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Magdalene Ugoanusi and the General Manager, Abia State Orientation Agency, Ure Abazie commended Governor Otti for his commitment in empowering the youths and urged the participants to be responsible and take the training seriously.

Contributing, the CEO of LearnFactory Nigeria and technical coordinator of TechRise project, Chibueze Ukaegbu said that 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 who spoke to the press, including Joshua Emezue, Ngozi Friday among others
said they expect to improve on ICT and be able to improve on their economy leveraging technology. They thanked the Governor for his interest in empowering them.