The Imo State government said it is set to create over 300,000 jobs in digital economy for youths in the state.

At the state executive council meeting held on Wednesday and presided over by Governor Hope Uzodimma, a memo on Imo Youth Digital Training and Empowerment Scheme, submitted by the Chief Economic Adviser to the governor, Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi, was approved.

Addressing newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Chief Political Adviser and Head Political Bureau, Enyinna Onuegbu, said Prof. Amaeshi brought the memo to the council in conjunction with the Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Chief Ford Ozumba.

Onuegbu said: “The objective is to have about 300,000 Imo youths pass through training that will make them digitally sound and guarantee their expertise in digital technology and other training possibilities.

“In addition, the training will increase their qualifications by guaranteeing as they will become employable, as well as employers of labour.”

Flanked by the Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Ford Ozumba, newly sworn-in Commissioner, Jerry Egemba and Amaeshi, the governor’s political aide noted that the state government is planning a digital training programme for thousands of youths in Imo, which would begin soon, and that the state exco has constituted an inter-ministerial committee to drive the project.

He added: “The project, when realized, would be beneficial to Imo youths, especially those who are likely to benefit from it; not only as employees but employers of labour.

“The beneficiaries will contribute to the economy of the state as they will be working for international organisations while living in Imo and paying their taxes and bills.”