Senator Akobundu’s Digital Skills Acquisition Program: Empowering Abia Central Youths for a Tech-Driven Future
Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central senatorial district, has embarked on a transformative initiative aimed at equipping the youth of his constituency with cutting-edge digital skills, thereby empowering them to become self-reliant entrepreneurs and drivers of economic growth in the region. The Digital Skills Acquisition Programme, a flagship project of the senator’s commitment to human capital development, is structured to train 1,000 youths in various high-demand ICT fields, ultimately transforming them from job seekers to job creators. The program is implemented in batches, with each batch accommodating 186 participants, three representing each of the 62 wards within the senatorial district. This phased approach ensures effective training and resource allocation, maximizing the impact of the program on the beneficiaries.
The inaugural batch of the program, which concluded on December 28, 2024, witnessed the graduation of 186 participants who underwent rigorous training in a range of commercially viable ICT disciplines. Building on this success, registration for the second batch commenced in Umuahia, the Abia state capital, signifying the continuation of Senator Akobundu’s vision to empower the youth through digital literacy. The second batch is scheduled to commence training on February 3, 2025, focusing on six key areas: Web Design, Forex Trading, Software Development, Graphic Design, Data Science, and Digital Marketing. These carefully selected fields represent some of the most sought-after skills in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring that the participants are well-equipped to compete in the global marketplace.
The senator’s commitment to this initiative is underscored by the provision of free training to all participants, eliminating financial barriers that often hinder access to quality education and skill development. This commitment aligns with Senator Akobundu’s broader vision of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among the youth, enabling them to create their own opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of their communities. The program’s emphasis on practical skills acquisition is designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to establish their own businesses, generate employment, and contribute to the overall prosperity of the region.
Mr. Jude Ndukwe, the senator’s spokesman, highlighted the program’s alignment with Senator Akobundu’s dedication to human capacity development, emphasizing the transformative potential of equipping youths with the skills necessary to become self-reliant entrepreneurs. He further reiterated the senator’s commitment to empowering the youth and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the Abia Central senatorial district. This proactive approach to youth empowerment is crucial for harnessing the demographic dividend and driving sustainable economic growth in the region.
Mr. Aaron Elekwachi, Special Assistant to Senator Akobundu and project coordinator, emphasized the senator’s vision of empowering 1,000 youths across the 62 wards in Abia Central, with a strategic plan to train 186 youths in each batch until the target is reached. This phased approach ensures that each participant receives personalized attention and benefits from a conducive learning environment. He encouraged the trainees to prioritize skill acquisition over immediate material gains, emphasizing the long-term value of the training provided by the senator. This focus on skill development over immediate gratification reflects a commitment to sustainable empowerment, ensuring that the participants are equipped for long-term success in the digital economy.
The six-week training program offers a diverse range of courses, including Data Science, Software Development, Graphics Design, Web Design, Forex Trading, and Digital Marketing, allowing participants to choose a specialization based on their interests and career aspirations. This flexibility allows for personalized learning pathways, catering to the diverse talents and interests of the participants. The success of the program is reflected in the testimonies of participants like Mr. Nwamara Asonye, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the positive impact the program has had on their mindset and aspirations. The positive feedback from participants underscores the transformative potential of the program and its contribution to fostering a culture of self-reliance and entrepreneurial spirit among the youth of Abia Central.
