Beneficiaries and facilitators of the Abia Tech Rise programme have commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for equipping young people with digital skills that have enhanced their employability and prepared them for opportunities in the global digital economy.
They spoke on Thursday during a sensitisation rally in Aba organised to encourage eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The rally also formed part of activities marking the Abia Tech Rise Alumni Homecoming and Community Appreciation Walk.
The Abia Tech Rise programme is one of the state’s flagship youth empowerment initiatives aimed at building digital capacity, promoting innovation and improving employment prospects for young people through technology-driven skills development.
Speaking during the event, the State Coordinator of Abia Tech Rise and Founder of Learn Factory, Mr Chibueze Ukaegbu, said the initiative had provided participants with 21st-century digital skills and positioned them for careers in the rapidly evolving technology sector.
“We thank Gov. Alex Otti for believing in us and providing a platform for us to acquire 21st-century digital skills.
“The training has given us the opportunity to acquire skills that will make us relevant players in the emerging global economy driven by technology”, he said.
Ukaegbu said every participant received world-class training as well as a laptop to support learning and career development, disclosing that the three-month programme had completed three cohorts since its launch in February 2025.
According to him, more than 20,000 youths applied for the third cohort, 8,000 were shortlisted for the entrance examination, while 850 candidates were eventually admitted into the programme.
He explained that the first cohort commenced in February 2025, followed by the second in May 2025, with the current participants making up the third cohot and atributed the programme’s success to Governor Otti’s leadership and commitment to youth development.
“This package for Abia youths is made possible through the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Otti.
“In the past three years, the governor has changed the narrative of Abia through policies and programmes that have positively impacted every sector of the state’s economy”.
He also encouraged residents to obtain their PVCs ahead of the 2027 General Elections adding that the essence of the rally “is to sensitise Abia residents on the need to obtain their PVCs ahead of the 2027 General Elections”.
“We also want to thank the governor for the Tech Rise initiative because good governance deserves continuity”, he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Ifeanyi Kalu, a member of Cohort Three who specialised in UI/UX design, expressed appreciation to the state government for the opportunity to acquire in-demand digital skills.
Another beneficiary, Mr Ozoemena Amamba, who participated in Cohort Two and trained in Digital Art and 3D Animation, said the programme has transformed his life by enabling him to establish his own business.
“I am happy to be here because the training has made me self-reliant and now I own a shop where I create animations and I can proudly describe myself as an entrepreneur.
“Also through the skills I acquired, I am also empowering other people”, he said.
Amamba also urged residents to obtain their PVCs and support credible candidates in the 2027 elections.
“We are waiting to show our appreciation in the 2027 elections by using our PVCs, and we encourage everyone to get theirs”.
A facilitator, Dr Alfred Nwoke, said he joined the programme as a trainee in the first cohort and now serves as one of its instructors adding that he is now a facilitator in the Tech Rise programme.
“I express my gratitude to the Abia State Government under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, because through this programme, the government has changed the narrative for youths in Abia.
“We assure the government of our continued support for its programmes and policies”, Dr Nwoke said.
