By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Aba, July 23,2026
Beneficiaries and facilitators of the Abia Tech Rise programme have commended Gov. Alex Otti for providing youths with digital skills, saying the initiative has empowered them for opportunities in the global digital economy.
They made this known on Thursday during a sensitisation rally organised to educate residents on the need for everyone to obtain their Permanent Voter Card (PVC), in Aba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the rally formed part of the Abia Tech Rise Alumni Homecoming and Community Appreciation Walk.
The State Coordinator of Abia Tech Rise, Mr Chibueze Ukaegbu, said that the programme had equipped participants with 21st-century digital skills and improved their employability.
“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, who is also the Founder of Learn Factory, said that each beneficiary received world-class training and a laptop to support learning and career development.
According to him, the three-month programme had completed three cohorts since its inception in February,2025.
He said that more than 20,000 youths applied for the third cohort, while 8,000 were shortlisted for the entrance examination and 850 were eventually admitted into the programme.
He said that the first cohort commenced in February 2025, the second in May 2025, while the current participants constituted the third cohort.
Ukaegbu attributed the programme’s success to the governor’s leadership style and commitment to the welfare of Abia youths.
“This package for Abia youths is made possible through the visionary leadership of Gov. 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 said.
He also urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“The essence of this 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.
In her remark, Miss Ifeanyi Kalu, a member of Cohort Three trained in UI/UX design, expressed appreciation to the state government for the opportunity.
“I am grateful to the governor and the Abia State Government for giving me the opportunity to acquire relevant digital skills,” Kalu said.
Another beneficiary, Mr Ozoemena Amamba, who participated in Cohort Two and trained in Digital Art and 3D Animation, said that the programme had transformed his life.
“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 ahead of the 2027 polls and support credible individuals seeking to occupy political offices.
“We are waiting to show our appreciation in the 2027 elections by using our PVCs, and we encourage everyone to get theirs,” he said.
A facilitator, Dr Alfred Nwoke, said he participated in the first cohort as a trainee but now trains others under the programme.
“I was part of Cohort One, but today I am a facilitator in the Tech Rise programme.
“I express my gratitude to the Abia State Government under the leadership of Gov. 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,” Nwoke said.
The rally participants walked through major streets in Aba, including Okigwe Road, Eziukwu Road, Faulks Road among others.
