Over 500 youths from Enugu North Senatorial District and beyond have successfully graduated from a 10-day digital skills training programme designed to equip them with the knowledge and capacity to compete globally in the fast-growing digital economy.
The training focused on ethical artificial intelligence skills, including AI applications, AI content development, robotics, and chatbot development. It was organised by the Igbo Eze South Local Government Area in collaboration with the UNESCO Country Office, Abuja, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, through its Directorate of International Collaboration and the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education.
Declaring the programme closed, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, described the event as “a celebration of transformation through vision, capacity building, and inquisitive learning.”
Professor Onyia commended the beneficiaries for their dedication and zeal, noting that their readiness to move from traditional methods to digital innovation shows a new level of confidence and global readiness. “Their willingness to transition from the old ways of doing things to the digital frontier will strengthen their confidence and prepare them for emerging global opportunities,” he said.
He also praised the leadership of the Chairman of Igbo Eze South Local Government Area, Hon. Ferdinand Ukwueze, whom he described as “a leading voice within the ALGON community whose vision aligns with Governor Mbah’s administration.”
According to him, the digital skills gained by the participants would allow them to compete favourably on the global stage without having to leave Enugu State. He added that Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership has shifted the state from conventional learning models to technology-driven and globally competitive thinking.
In her remarks, the representative of the Head of Office, UNESCO Country Office, Abuja, Dr Nneka Okafor, who represented Dr Jean-Paul Abiaga, said the initiative had gone beyond basic skill acquisition. She commended the Igbo Eze South Council Chairman for his dedication to empowering youths with sustainable and relevant digital skills.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Otuanya, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Josaphat Onwumere, appreciated the organisers for choosing the university as the host institution, noting that the collaboration promotes learning and innovation among young people.
The Chairman of Igbo Eze South Local Government Area, Hon. Ferdinand Ukwueze, said the platform provides an opportunity for young people to interact with the global community and compete effectively in the digital economy. He also highlighted several developmental achievements recorded by his administration within a few months in office and urged the beneficiaries to make the local government and the state proud.
During the ceremony, some outstanding participants received laptops as awards for excellence, while the wife of the governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, through the wife of the council chairman, also presented laptops to physically challenged participants.
The event ended with the presentation of certificates to all beneficiaries and a special award to Hon. Ukwueze in recognition of his dedication to youth development and investment in skill acquisition programmes.
