Don’t Depend Only on Certificates, Acquire Digital Skills — Otti Tells Abia Youths
Abia governor launches TechRise Cohort 3, urges young people to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and practical digital competence.
Governor Alex Otti has urged Abia youths to prioritise practical digital skills over certificates as the state launched TechRise Cohort 3 to train 850 young people in areas including AI, cybersecurity, software development, and digital innovation.
Governor Alex Otti has urged youths in Abia State to move beyond academic qualifications and focus on acquiring practical digital skills needed to succeed in today’s technology-driven economy.
The governor made the call while flagging off TechRise Cohort 3, a three-month programme designed to equip 850 youths across the state with advanced digital and technology skills.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzo Nwachukwu, Otti encouraged participants to take advantage of the programme to become entrepreneurs, innovators, and job creators.
According to him, the state government is collaborating with technology hubs and private organisations to provide post-training mentorship, internship placements, and additional support opportunities for participants.
Addressing the participants, the governor emphasized that certificates alone are no longer sufficient in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
He said: “So do not just look for certificates. Seek deep competence and hands-on problem-solving skills.
“The digital marketing strategies you master here could scale a local business into a multi-national brand.”
Otti described TechRise as more than a training initiative, calling it a strategic investment in the future of Abia youths.
He noted that the global economy is increasingly shaped by automation, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation, stressing that young people must position themselves as creators of value rather than consumers of technology.
Participants in the programme are expected to receive training in high-demand areas including software development, data analytics, digital marketing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, machine learning, product design, data engineering, and emerging technologies.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka, explained that the cohort is themed “AI FIRST” and aims to prepare youths for leadership and innovation in the digital era.
The Chief Executive Officer of LearnFactory Nigeria and technical coordinator of the project, Engineer Chibueze Ukaegbu, said participants would gain practical and globally relevant digital skills to improve their career opportunities.
One of the beneficiaries, Chidera Igwe, thanked the governor for creating opportunities for young people and expressed optimism that the programme would improve participants’ technology capabilities and future prospects.
