Gov. Otti:  Committed to empowering the next generation of Abia youths, diversifying the state’s economy
Introduction.
Today marks a defining moment in our state’s journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future. We are not just flagging off a training program; we are lighting the fuse of innovation and igniting the potential of our greatest asset: our young people.
The Abia TechRise Training programme for Youths is more than just an initiative—it is a declaration of our government’s unwavering commitment to empowering our next generation and diversifying our state’s economy.
This is the second cohort where we will be training and empowering 850 of our youths (fifty from each LGA).
During the first cohort, which graduated in May this year, 2025, we trained 510 youths, out of which the 19 best graduating trainees were offered automatic employment into the state civil service.
This training is our commitment to empowering you—our greatest resource—with the essential digital skills needed to thrive in this new landscape.
Over the next three months, you will not only gain technical knowledge but also develop creativity, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to compete on a global scale.
My advice to you is simple: be attentive, be disciplined, be curious, and embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn. The effort you put in will determine the height of your success.
Our Vision is to build a digital-first state. The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, driven by technology and innovation. Information and Communication Technology is no longer a luxury but a fundamental tool for progress. A generation ago, the key to success was a steady job; today, it is a skill that can create a hundred more.
My administration recognises that to build a sustainable and resilient economy, we must invest in our people. Our vision is to transform our state into a hub of digital excellence, a place where young people are not just beneficiaries of technology but creators of it.
This three-month intensive training program addresses a critical gap: the disparity between the skills our young people possess and the demands of the modern job market. Without intervention, this “digital divide” perpetuates cycles of unemployment and limits our collective growth.
Over the next three months, you, the participants, will be equipped with: Job-ready digital skills: From basic literacy to advanced applications, this training will make you highly employable in a competitive marketplace.
We are not training you to simply find jobs but to create them.
You will be empowered to become entrepreneurs, innovators, and job creators, contributing to our local economy. With these skills, you will be able to compete for jobs and projects from anywhere in the world, bringing in foreign exchange and stabilising our economy.
This is a life-changing opportunity for all of you that should not be taken for granted.
You were selected from many, and we have invested in you because we believe in your potential. Dedicate yourselves fully to the learning process. The future rewards hard work and continuous learning.
Innovate and collaborate: Work with your fellow trainees, share ideas, and build a network. This is the foundation of future success. See beyond the immediate: This training is a springboard. Use the knowledge and skills you acquire to build a career, a business, and a legacy.
This government is committed to a sustained collaborative approach to curb unemployment and empowering our youth.
Conclusion:
With your energy, creativity, and new skills, we are building a more prosperous and inclusive future for our state. You are the digital future, and I am proud to stand with you today as we begin this new chapter.
- Thank you, and God bless Abia State.
