Abia State Government has flagged off a digital skill training for youths in Isialangwa North and Isialangwa South Local Government Areas in the state.
Speaking at Mbato Secondary School Eziama Nvosi in Isialangwa South, where the CBT centre for the training of youths in Isialangwa North and South is located, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba disclosed that the target is to train 1,500 young people in various areas of digital skills. He said that already the training has commenced in Aba for participants from Abia South while that of Abia North would follow suit
He said that the importance of digital skills in the 21st century cannot be over-emphasized and added that it is in a bid to avail the young people digital skills that would open doors for great opportunities that goverment decided to partner LEARNFACTORY to train the youths in the state.
“Digital skills are essential in the 21st century for many reasons, including: Career readiness, Education, Everyday life,
Social connection, Critical thinking,
Innovation, etc.
“It is with the intention to avail our young people digital skills that will open doors for great opportunities that we have decided to partner with #LEARNFACTORY to train and empower Abia youths in Isiala-Ngwa North and South today, using this ICT Hub.
“This program which will last for a period of 3 months has started in Abia South, precisely at Aba. Our intention is to spread the program across the 3 Senatorial Zones.”
While charging the participating youths to be serious with the programme, Sir Ananaba told the youths that with the programme,
“We are preparing your mind to start leading your best intended life, community and the world today and not wait till tomorrow.
“You must take this training seriously to make the best out of it, for your good and for the good of the society.” Ananaba stated.
He said the programme is in line with the policy thrust of governor Otti aimed at creating sustainable empowerment for the youths. He appreciated Senator Darlington Nwokocha for allowing the use of his ICT Hub for the programme, saying that it is an eloquent testimony of the resolve of every good spirited Abian to build a new Abia.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. David Kalu said the training of the youths in the digital skill would empower them for life and enable them contribute to the development of Abia state.
He encouraged the trainees to challenge themselves and strive for excellence as well as ensure that at the end of the three months training they would come up with initiatives that would provide solutions to the local problems in Abia state.
In his address, the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Mr Nnadozie Nwogwugwu, represented by his deputy, Mrs Vivian Obilor, described the training as an effective strategy for tackling unemployment and making Abia youths relevant in the global digital economy and assured full support for the training.
He urged the beneficiaries to approach the programme with seriousness and dedication while thanking the governor Otti for his deliberate efforts in human capital development.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer
Earlier, the chief executive officer of LEARNFACTORY Nigeria, Mr. Chibueze Ukaegbu said that they are collaborating to provide 1,500 youths with seven areas of digital skills including, website development, digital arts and animations, artificial intelligence, data engineering among others.
He said that the training which would last three months would provide skills that would make the participants become globally relevant
He thanked governor Alex Otti for making it possible for the programme to begin in Abia state and advised the youths to make use of the opportunity to become empowered.
