The Abia State Government has announced a series of incentives for 850 young innovators who graduated from the third cohort of the TechRise programme, as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s digital economy and develop local technology talent.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Alex Ottih said the 850 graduands had successfully completed intensive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training and were now equipped with skills to contribute to Abia’s digital transformation.
As part of the incentives for outstanding performance, the state government approved automatic employment into the Abia State Civil Service for the 19 best-performing graduates.
The government also approved a cash grant of ₦100,000 for each of the 850 graduands. In addition, the laptops provided to participants during the training programme have been given to them permanently to support their continued learning, innovation and entrepreneurial activities.
Ottih said the government would also integrate TechRise graduates into relevant government ICT projects, enabling them to apply their skills in improving public service delivery across the state.
He disclosed that a special salary structure for ICT professionals in the state civil service would also be introduced to attract and retain skilled technology workers.
He urged the graduands to remain committed to continuous learning and use their knowledge to create businesses, develop innovative solutions and contribute positively to society.
Ottih particularly commended a team of graduands that developed a functional drone during the programme, promising government support to help transform the innovation from a prototype into a commercially viable product.
He further announced plans to establish international-standard ICT certification centres in Abia and expand internet access across the state in partnership with MTN.
The government, he said, remains committed to building a digitally skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship and improved public services.
Congratulating the graduands, Ottih described them as important contributors to Abia’s future and urged them to use their newly acquired skills responsibly for the development of the state and society.
