The Abia State Government has officially launched TechRise Cohort 3, a digital skills development programme designed to equip 850 youths across the state with practical technology and innovation skills needed in today’s digital economy.
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Governor Alex Otti inaugurated the programme on Wednesday in Aba, describing the initiative as part of the state government’s long-term investment in youth empowerment, digital transformation and job creation.
The 90-day training programme, known as Abia TechRise 3.0, will expose participants to high-demand digital fields including software development, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital marketing, machine learning, product design and data engineering.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, the governor urged participants to focus on practical learning rather than certificates alone.
According to him, the global economy is changing rapidly due to technology, automation and AI, making digital skills more important than ever for young Nigerians seeking employment, entrepreneurship and remote work opportunities.
“So do not just look for certificates; seek deep competence and hands-on problem-solving skills.
“The digital marketing strategies you master here could scale a local business into a multinational brand,” Mr Otti said.
The governor stated that the vision behind TechRise is to move Abia youths from being ordinary users of technology to becoming creators of digital products and solutions capable of competing globally.
“Our goal with Abia TechRise is simple, yet audacious. We want to transform our youths from passive consumers of technology into active creators of digital value,” he said.
Mr Otti explained that the state government had partnered with technology hubs and corporate organisations to ensure participants receive mentorship, internship opportunities and freelance support after the training.
He added that the programme aligns with the administration’s broader agenda to position Abia as a growing technology and innovation hub in Nigeria, especially with Aba already gaining attention for entrepreneurship and small business development.
The governor also commended the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for supporting the implementation of the initiative.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman of Aba South Local Government Area, Obialor Anyanwu, said the programme would create more opportunities for young people to become self-reliant through digital skills and remote employment.
Mr Anyanwu described TechRise 3.0 as an advanced ICT training initiative capable of preparing participants for the future of work.
“The type of training is advanced digital training that empowers every TechRise participant to be self-employed.
“So, you can as well be employed from home after TechRise,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Oge Maduka, said this year’s programme is themed “AI FIRST”, reflecting the growing importance of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in the global economy.
Mrs Maduka described TechRise as another major step by the Abia State Government to prepare youths for leadership roles in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to her, the programme is structured to produce thinkers, innovators and solution-driven young people through industry-relevant and practical training.
“TechRise is a declaration that Abia youths must no longer stand at the edge of global innovation but must become active creators, leaders and drivers of the digital future,” she said.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of LearnFactory, Chibueze Ukaegbu, urged participants to remain disciplined and committed throughout the training period.
Mr Ukaegbu said the opportunity provided by the state government could open doors to global digital opportunities if participants take the programme seriously.
He encouraged the trainees to prove that investment in youth development can produce measurable economic and social impact.
One of the participants, Chidera Igwe, expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for introducing the initiative, noting that many young people need opportunities that can expose them to modern ways of earning income through technology.
“I want to say a very big thank you to our governor for giving us this opportunity.
“Most of us do not really have what to do, but he has broadened our mindset to see that there are things out there that we can use to make money for ourselves,” she said.
The launch of TechRise Cohort 3 comes at a time when more Nigerian states are increasing investments in digital skills development, AI training and youth-focused technology programmes as demand for remote jobs and digital entrepreneurship continues to grow globally.
