Governor Otti’s radical empowerment technique—509 laptops, 19 jobs, and a complete tech revolution in Abia. You don’t wish to miss what’s subsequent!
Abia State—Might 10, 2025 | In a uncommon coverage twist that has stirred pleasure and debate throughout Abia State, Governor Alex Otti, OFR, has granted computerized employment to 19 excellent contributors of the state’s just lately concluded digital abilities coaching programme—with out interviews or purposes.
The daring announcement got here throughout the commencement ceremony of the “Abia TechRise” ICT empowerment programme, held on Saturday, Might 10, on the JAAC Constructing Secretariat in Umuahia. The programme, a collaboration between the Abia State Authorities, the 17 Native Authorities Mayors, and LearnFactory Nigeria, was designed to upskill youths in essential Twenty first-century digital competencies.
Governor Otti, recognized for his non-traditional method to governance, directed the Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, to fast-track all obligatory documentation to allow the 19 top-performing graduands start work with the Abia State Civil Service by Monday, Might 12, 2025.
“There are about 16 of you in these three {groups}, and I additionally noticed three of you obtain awards simply now. That brings the quantity to 19,” Governor Otti said throughout the occasion. “Put together the paperwork. I’ll quickly carry the employment ban simply to make use of these ones and shut it again.”
The Governor additional handed over laptop computer computer systems to all 509 ICT graduands, enabling them to instantly start making use of the talents they acquired throughout the intensive three-month coaching programme. He defined that the state authorities is concentrated on constructing a era of impartial, job-creating digital professionals—moderately than persevering with with the outdated “keke empowerment” schemes that beforehand outlined youth initiatives.
“Somewhat than providing you with fish, we wish to provide the instruments to fish,” Otti declared. “Gone are the times of tricycle giveaways. Right this moment, we empower you with abilities to compete globally. Now you can sit in Umuahia and work for Google or Microsoft.”
In an additional demonstration of dedication, Governor Otti introduced a second batch of 850 trainees—50 from every of the 17 LGAs—can be chosen for the following spherical of the TechRise coaching, with LearnFactory Nigeria persevering with because the technical accomplice.
The Governor additionally tasked the Chief Technique Officer to take care of a digital monitoring platform that may observe the progress of the 509 graduands, assist them with follow-up mentorship, and probably join them with world tech corporations.
“We should be sure that what you’ve discovered prepares you to compete in a world that modifications each minute. What we’ve accomplished right here isn’t a ceremony—it’s a launchpad,” Otti stated.
A Motion, Not Only a Programme
Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, Commissioner for Native Authorities and Chieftaincy Affairs, described the initiative as “greater than a coaching”—a motion to unlock the potential of Abia’s youth.
“This programme is a strategic leap into the digital future. It’s not simply coaching, it’s positioning our youth to turn into related and aggressive within the Twenty first-century digital financial system,” he said.
In accordance with LearnFactory CEO, Engr. Chibueze Ukaegbu, the coaching lined seven high-demand digital areas together with Digital Animation, Synthetic Intelligence, Net Growth, UI/UX Design, and Information Science.
Graduands like Samuel Uchendu expressed gratitude to the Governor, describing the chance as “life-changing.”
“We’ve been educated in tech abilities that we by no means had entry to earlier than. That is the sort of factor that modifications the route of a youth’s life,” Uchendu stated.
The commencement occasion was attended by prime authorities functionaries, together with commissioners, advisers, and relations of the graduands. Every participant acquired a certificates of completion alongside their laptop computer.
