The Abia State Government has commenced a capacity-building programme to equip civil servants with digital skills and knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency and service delivery in the state.
The programme, organised through the Office of the Head of Service in partnership with LusterHeights Limited and in collaboration with Google Hustle Academy, began with Phase One at the Main Auditorium of the Ministry of Women Affairs Complex, Umuahia.
The training is targeted at about 3,000 civil servants across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state. It is designed to give workers practical digital skills and introduce them to the use of AI in solving workplace challenges.
The organisers said the programme would help civil servants improve their productivity, work more efficiently, solve problems and provide better services to the people of Abia.
Speaking on behalf of the Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, at the opening ceremony, Adaeze Ralph Igbokwe welcomed the participants to the training.
Ojeikere described the programme as an important step towards preparing the Abia State workforce for the changing demands of the modern workplace.
He urged the participants to take the training seriously, learn new skills and make proper use of the knowledge gained to improve their daily duties.
He said the initiative would contribute to building a smarter, more efficient, productive and future-ready Civil Service in Abia State.
On the first day of the training, officers on Grade Levels 01 to 13 from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Ministry of Health and the Hospital Management Board took part in the programme.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Godknows Chima Ikpeama, a representative of LusterHeights Limited, who explained the meaning of Artificial Intelligence and its possible uses in the workplace.
Ikpeama also introduced the participants to practical ways AI can be used to solve problems, improve work processes and make their duties easier and more effective.
The session was interactive, with participants asking questions and seeking clarification on different aspects of AI and how it could be applied to their official responsibilities.
The training is being conducted for officers on Grade Levels 01 to 13 according to their respective MDA schedules.
Meanwhile, officers on Grade Level 14 and above, including Directors, are scheduled to participate in an Executive Session on Friday, November 13, 2026.
