Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has inaugurated the Board of the Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Centre, with Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe appointed as Chairman.
Other members of the Board include Engr. Cletus Ogbonnaya Ekpo (Vice Chairman), Engr. Peter Ukonu (Director-General), Mr Gerald Ilukwe, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Mr Fidelis Nweze, Dr Christopher Kalu Okoro, Mr Chukwudi Ogbonna, and Dr (Mrs) Rita Ndidi Amuchienwa.
Inaugurating the Board on Monday at his office after the State Executive Council meeting, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the members for accepting to serve the State, describing them as accomplished professionals and some of the finest minds in the technology space.
Governor Otti highlighted the credentials of the Chairman, who has made significant contributions to technology from the United States, and the Director-General, an inventor invited back from the United Kingdom.
The Governor emphasised that the appointments were based on merit and skill and not state of origin, stating that talent and capacity should override geographical boundaries in public service.
He urged members to think beyond Abia and adopt a broader Igbo identity, stressing the importance of unity and inclusive development across Igbo communities.
Governor Otti expressed appreciation for their willingness to serve, noting that their contributions remain far more valuable than what the state could offer in financial compensation.
He encouraged the Board to drive the technological revolution ongoing in Abia, assuring them of full government support and collaboration in achieving their set goals.
Governor Otti prayed God to grant the Board members divine guidance and strength, and expressed optimism about their impact on the state’s development trajectory.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Board, Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe, pledged to drive technological advancement to improve lives across Abia.
Prof. Ekekwe thanked the State Government for entrusting him and fellow members with a mission of innovation-led development.
He described the initiative as a call to service for Abia, the Igbo nation, and Nigeria, stressing that technology must drive prosperity and reduce market friction.
Prof. Ekekwe emphasised the state’s commitment to building technology capacity and enabling inclusive economic growth, and noted that the Board had already begun work by drafting a roadmap to guide the state’s innovation and digital transformation efforts in the coming months.
He expressed hope that every child in Abia would have similar or greater opportunities, regardless of background or location within the state.
The Chairman, while lauding Governor Otti’s leadership style, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to delivering tangible, inclusive progress through expertise and responsive leadership.
