As part of efforts to improve the standard of living of Abians and also create job employment opportunities, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has confirmed the kick-off of the Abia Skills Acquisition Programme (ASAP) at the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba.
In a release posted by the Majority leader of Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Okoro through his social media platforms, stakeholders from each Local Government including government appointees, party chairmen, as well as non-appointees, will nominate three candidates, reflecting geographical spread.
He also mentioned that the programme is aimed at equipping young Abians with specialized skills in fields like plumbing, welding, electrical installations and more.
Okoro stated that the first batch of 51 participants will be trained in plumbing by a professional who is also a certified global-level trainer.
The participants will also enjoy the opportunity to sit for City & Guilds technical examinations (UK) which certifies them to work abroad if they choose to and meet the requirements.
The release also added that biological relations of stakeholders nominating participants will not be accepted into the programme.
He also said, in addition, the Governor approved stipends for trainees to assist them move to and fro the training venue.
According to him, “Upon submission of a LGA’s nomination, we will reach out to all the stakeholders in the LGA to confirm that they made inputs to the nomination. If we see evidence that any stakeholder was not involved in the process, the list from the LGA will be rejected”.
Recall that during the Governor’s visit to Aba, he also assured of immediate action to curtail the menace of gully erosion along Ovom Street, Aba which has cut the road into two and created a valley.
Collapsing buildings have caused massive destruction of properties within the area. Residents in the area also mentioned that they stand the risk of sleeping at night and not waking up in the morning as a result of building collapse on account of the gully erosion.
Before the inspection, Otti had stated he only came to worship at the Christ Ascension Church and also appreciate the Church for their unrelenting support towards the growth of his administration. He also told the congregation that he will not renege on the campaign promises he made during the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state and also assured them of good governance.
