Abia State Governor Alex Otti has approved the expansion of the ThriveAbia Digital Capacity Development and Mentorship Programme to accommodate 1,000 young people in its first cohort. The decision follows the pilot phase, which trained 100 participants in digital skills.
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Otti announced the approval on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while receiving a delegation led by the director and co-founder of Tech Excentric, the programme’s technical partners. He expressed satisfaction with the pilot’s results and directed the team to move quickly on the expansion.
The governor said applicants for the expanded programme would be required to apply and sit for a test, with results determining who progresses to the next stage. He also stressed that selection must be strictly merit-based, proposing computer-based testing and further assessments to promote a transparent and competitive process.
The pilot recorded an 87 per cent graduation rate, while more than half of the graduates were women. Officials also reported that over 50 per cent of the graduates had started earning in foreign currencies after receiving training and mentorship. These outcomes were cited as evidence of the programme’s early impact, although foreign-currency earnings are not guaranteed for future participants.
The ThriveAbia initiative is designed to equip young Abians with practical digital skills, entrepreneurship capabilities and mentorship to help them compete in the global digital economy. The expansion is expected to provide more young people with access to training in digital skill areas.
Otti also referenced his administration’s collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the UNIPOD initiative. He said digital skills development and emerging technologies are important to preparing young people for future opportunities.
Following the approval, the governor directed the programme team to work with relevant government officials to prepare an implementation timetable and identify suitable training facilities. The director, Doris Akpuha, and Tech Excentric co-founder Gilbert Igwe said the team was ready to commence the first cohort of 1,000 participants after the approval.
Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation David Kalu, who introduced the delegation, described the pilot as successful, citing the graduation rate and the number of graduates reportedly earning in foreign currencies. The programme team said it aims to strengthen digital capacity and entrepreneurship among young people and contribute to growth in Abia’s digital economy.
The meeting was also attended by Chief Strategy Officer Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu and Chief Information Officer Gerald Ilukwe. The team further disclosed plans for a social media campaign to showcase the governor’s achievements and highlight opportunities for young people.
What applicants should know
The expansion has been approved, but the announcement does not provide an application opening date, deadline or registration link. Interested youths should wait for official guidance on the application process. The reported foreign-currency earnings relate to some graduates of the pilot and do not constitute a promise that all new participants will earn dollars.
How to apply
Applicants should monitor official Abia State Government and ThriveAbia announcements for the application form, eligibility conditions, testing details and timetable.
