The Abia State Government has announced plans to train 1,500 youths in digital skills as part of its effort to enhance employment opportunities and promote economic growth.
The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, on Wednesday, at Mbato Secondary School in Eziama Nvosi, Isialangwa South, revealed that the state's new initiative will provide digital skills training to 1,500 youths. The training, which will take place at the newly established CBT center, aims to equip young people with expertise in various digital fields.
Ananaba further explained that the training has already begun in Aba for participants from Abia South, with plans to extend the program to Abia North in the near future.
Emphasizing the significance of digital skills in today’s world, he noted that the initiative is aimed at equipping young people with valuable knowledge that will open doors to new opportunities and help them thrive in the digital age.
He stated the importance of digital literacy in today’s rapidly evolving job market, noting that the initiative will help bridge the skills gap and prepare the youth for future opportunities. He highlighted the state’s commitment to creating a workforce that can thrive in the digital economy, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among young people.
He emphasized, "Digital skills are crucial in the 21st century for a variety of reasons, including career preparedness, education, daily activities, social interaction, critical thinking, and fostering innovation."
He explained that the goal of partnering with #LearnFactory is to equip young people in Abia with digital skills that will unlock valuable opportunities.
"Through this collaboration, we aim to empower the youth in Isiala-Ngwa North and South, utilizing this ICT hub", he added.
He also shared that the training program, which will run for three months, has already begun in Aba, located in Abia South.
"Our plan is to expand the program to cover all three senatorial zones of the state.
"We are helping you prepare to start leading your best life today, both for yourselves and for your community, rather than waiting for tomorrow.
"You must approach this training with seriousness, as it holds the potential to benefit you personally and contribute to the greater good of society", he said.
He further explained that the program aligns with the vision of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, who is committed to creating sustainable empowerment opportunities for the youth.
Ananaba also expressed his appreciation to Senator Darlington Nwokocha for providing the ICT hub for the initiative, calling it a reflection of the dedication of well-meaning Abians toward building a better Abia.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. David Kalu, highlighted that the training would not only empower the youth for future success but also enable them to make meaningful contributions to the state's development.
He urged participants to push their limits and aim for excellence, ensuring that by the end of the three-month training, they would be equipped to create initiatives that address local challenges in Abia State.
In his speech, the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Mr. Nnadozie Nwogwugwu, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Vivian Obilor, praised the training as a powerful approach to combating unemployment and ensuring that Abia youths stay competitive in the global digital economy.
Nwogwugwu mentioned that this initiative aligns with the state’s broader strategy to diversify its economy, reduce unemployment, and empower its youth.
He pledged full support for the initiative and encouraged the participants to take the opportunity seriously and with full commitment, expressing appreciation to Governor Otti for his dedication to advancing human capital development.
Earlier, Mr. Chibueze Ukaegbu, the Chief Executive Officer of LearnFactory Nigeria, shared that the partnership aims to provide training to 1,500 youths in seven key areas of digital skills, including website development, digital arts and animation, artificial intelligence, and data engineering, among others.
Ukaegbu highlighted that the training would equip participants with the essential skills needed for the modern economy and urged the youth to fully leverage this opportunity for empowerment. He also extended his gratitude to the governor for launching the program in Abia State.
