Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved the expansion of the ThriveAbia Digital Capacity Development and Mentorship Programme to accommodate 1,000 young people in its first cohort, following the successful training of 100 participants under the pilot phase.
Governor Otti gave the approval on Tuesday, in his office, while receiving a delegation led by the Director and Co-founder of Tech Excentric, the technical partners for the ThriveAbia programme.
The Governor expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the pilot phase and directed immediate expansion of the programme.
“I am therefore in agreement with the proposal to expand the programme to accommodate 1,000 participants.
“Indeed, it should be implemented as quickly as possible because time is of the essence.
“Applicants would apply and sit for the test, after which the results would determine those who proceed to the next stage,” Governor Otti stated.
The State Chief Executive congratulated the team on the successful training of the first 100 participants, commending the 87 percent graduation rate and the fact that more than half of the participants were women.
“I am particularly impressed by what I have seen today. I congratulate you on the successful training of the first 100 participants and on the impressive results recorded.
“An 87 per cent graduation rate is commendable, especially when we consider that a significant proportion of the graduates are already earning in foreign currency,” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor noted that his administration is already collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the UNIPOD initiative, stressing that digital skills development and emerging technologies are critical to preparing young people for the future.
The Governor however emphasized that selection for the expanded programme must be strictly merit-based, proposing computer-based testing and additional assessments to ensure a transparent and competitive process.
Consequently, Governor Otti directed the team to work with relevant government officials to develop a clear implementation timetable and identify suitable facilities for the training.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. David Kalu, who introduced the team, said the ThriveAbia pilot was a huge success with 100 young Abians graduating in various digital skill areas.
He noted that apart from the 87 percent graduation success, over 50 percent of the graduates have already started earning in foreign currencies as a result of the training and mentorship.
In their remarks, the Director, Mrs. Doris Akpuha, and Co-founder of Tech Excentric, Mr. Gilbert Igwe, expressed satisfaction with the success of the pilot phase and said the team is ready to commence the first cohort of 1,000 participants following the Governor’s approval.
According to them, the programme is designed to equip young Abians with practical digital skills, entrepreneurship capabilities and mentorship required to compete in the global digital economy.
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They also disclosed plans to launch a social media campaign to showcase the Governor’s achievements and highlight opportunities being created for young people, adding that the initiative aims to increase Abia’s GDP through digital economy.
