Alex Otti has advised Abia State teenagers not to rely simply on certifications from higher education for job stability, but rather to gain sophisticated digital skills and knowledge in order to survive in the twenty-first century industry.
Governor Otti delivered the advice on Wednesday while speaking to 850 Abia students enrolled in the three-month Techrise Cohort 3 program.
He made it clear that certifications alone are no longer enough to secure work and survival in highly competitive conditions if young people lack digital skills for creativity and entrepreneurship.
Governor Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, stated that the three-month training program aimed to help young people become entrepreneurs, inventors, and job creators, ultimately allowing them to avoid unemployment.
“So, don’t only hunt for certificates. “Seek deep competence and hands-on problem-solving skills,” Otti advised.
In her remarks, Oge Maduka, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, stated that the youths will be trained in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Maduka further mentioned that participants would be trained in cybersecurity, product design, software development, data engineering, digital innovation, and other emerging technologies.