Otti Launches TechRise Cohort 3 to Equip 850 Abia Youths With Digital Skills
Governor Alex Otti has inaugurated the TechRise Cohort 3 Training Programme, urging participants to focus on acquiring practical digital and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in today’s technology-driven economy.
The programme, launched on Wednesday in Aba, is an initiative of the Abia State Government aimed at training 850 youths in advanced digital and tech-related skills over a 90-day period.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, the governor encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to become innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators.
He advised the trainees not to chase certificates alone but to focus on gaining hands-on knowledge capable of solving real-life problems.
“So do not just look for certificates; seek deep competence and hands-on problem-solving skills,” he said.
“The digital marketing strategies you master here could scale a local business into a multinational brand.”
Otti described the TechRise initiative as a strategic investment in the youth population, which he referred to as the state’s greatest asset.
According to him, digital literacy is now essential in a global economy increasingly driven by automation, artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
“Our goal with Abia TechRise is simple, yet audacious. We want to transform our youths from passive consumers of technology into active creators of digital value,” he stated.
The governor also revealed that the state government had partnered with technology hubs and private organisations to provide mentorship opportunities, internships and freelance job placements for participants after the training.
The programme will cover areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing, data analytics, data engineering and other emerging tech fields.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of Aba South Local Government Area, Obialor Anyanwu, praised the initiative and described it as an avenue for youths to become self-employed and access remote job opportunities.
“The type of training is advanced digital training that empowers every TechRise participant to be self-employed,” he said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Oge Maduka, said the theme of this year’s programme is “AI FIRST.”
She described the initiative as part of the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and innovation.
“TechRise is a declaration that Abia youths must no longer stand at the edge of global innovation but must become active creators, leaders and drivers of the digital future,” she said.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of LearnFactory, Chibueze Ukaegbu, urged participants to remain disciplined and committed throughout the training period.
One of the participants, Chidera Igwe, expressed appreciation to the state government for creating opportunities for young people to build careers in technology.
“I want to say a very big thank you to our governor for giving us this opportunity,” she said.
“Most of us do not really have what to do, but he has broadened our mindset to see that there are things out there that we can use to make money for ourselves.”
