Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has urged youths participating in the state government’s advanced digital skills programme to focus on acquiring practical technological skills rather than relying solely on academic certificates.

The governor gave the charge during the flag-off of TechRise Cohort 3, a three-month intensive digital training programme designed to equip 850 youths across the state with advanced digital competencies.

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzo Nwachukwu, Otti encouraged the participants to maximise the opportunity by becoming entrepreneurs, innovators and job creators in the growing digital economy.

According to him, the administration is committed to preparing young people in the state for the realities of the 21st-century economy through strategic investments in technology-driven education and innovation.

“So do not just look for certificates. Seek deep competence and hands-on problem-solving skills,” he said.

“The digital marketing strategies you master here could scale a local business into a multinational brand.”

The governor described TechRise as more than just a training initiative, noting that it represents a strategic investment in the future of Abia youths.

He stressed that digital literacy has become essential for survival and success in an increasingly technology-driven world shaped by automation, artificial intelligence and global digital solutions.

“Our goal with Abia TechRise is simple, yet audacious. We want to transform our youth from passive consumers of technology into active creators of digital value,” he stated.

Otti further disclosed that the state government has partnered with tech hubs and corporate organisations to provide post-training mentorship, internship placements and freelance opportunities for beneficiaries of the programme.

He assured participants that they would receive training in high-demand areas such as software development, data analytics, digital marketing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, urging them to see the initiative as a launchpad for future success.

Speaking on behalf of council chairmen in the state, the Chairman of Aba South Local Government Area, Hon. Obialo Anyanwu, described TechRise as a higher-level digital training programme being implemented through collaboration between the state government and local councils.

He said the initiative is aimed at empowering youths with practical digital skills capable of making them self-employed and globally competitive.

Earlier in her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka, said the theme of the programme, “AI FIRST,” reflects the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment and digital transformation.

Maduka described the training as another bold step in the governor’s vision to raise a generation of innovators, problem-solvers and future leaders through technology-driven education.

According to her, participants will undergo practical and industry-relevant training in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, product design, software development, data engineering, digital innovation and other emerging technologies shaping the global economy.

“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 Nigeria and technical coordinator of the TechRise project, Engineer Chibueze Ukaegbu, said the programme would expose participants to globally relevant technical skills in various areas of digital technology.

He commended Governor Otti for what he described as huge investments in the development of young people in the state and urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity.

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Chidera Igwe, expressed appreciation to the governor for initiating the programme, saying she hopes the training will equip participants with valuable digital skills capable of improving their careers and livelihoods.