Alex Otti Approves ThriveAbia Digital Programme Expansion
The expansion follows a pilot that trained 100 participants, with officials reporting an 87 per cent graduation rate and plans for merit-based selection.
By Avid Reporters
ABIA STATE- Abia State Governor Alex Otti has approved the expansion of the ThriveAbia Digital Capacity Development and Mentorship Programme to accommodate 1,000 young people in its first expanded cohort, following the training of 100 participants during the pilot phase.
The approval was announced after Otti met with a delegation led by Tech Excentric Director and Co-founder, Mrs Doris Akpuha and Mr Gilbert Igwe, respectively, at the Government House in Umuahia on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Njoku Ukoha, the governor directed the programme team to begin preparations for the expansion without delay.
Otti said applicants would be required to apply and take a test, with their results determining who advances to the next stage of the selection process.
He also directed the team to work with relevant government officials to develop an implementation timetable and identify suitable facilities for the training.
ThriveAbia Records 87% Graduation Rate
During the meeting, Otti congratulated the programme organisers on the outcome of the pilot phase, particularly the reported 87 per cent graduation rate among the first 100 participants.
The governor also expressed satisfaction that more than half of the graduates were reportedly already earning in foreign currencies following their training and mentorship.
The figures were highlighted by the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. David Kalu, who introduced the delegation during the meeting.
Kalu described the pilot as successful, noting that participants had graduated with skills intended to improve their prospects in the digital economy.
The reported employment and earnings outcomes were not accompanied by a detailed breakdown in the statement.
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Merit-Based Selection Planned for New Cohort
Otti emphasised that admission into the expanded programme must be based on merit, proposing computer-based testing and additional assessments to support a transparent and competitive selection process.
The proposed approach is intended to identify applicants who demonstrate the capacity to benefit from the training.
The programme is designed to equip young Abians with practical digital skills, entrepreneurship capabilities and mentorship to help them compete for opportunities in the global digital economy.
The organisers said they were ready to commence preparations for the expanded cohort following the governor’s approval.
Abia Links Digital Skills to Economic Development
Otti also referenced the state government’s collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme through the UNIPOD initiative, describing digital skills and emerging technologies as important to preparing young people for future opportunities.
The programme organisers said they planned to launch a social media campaign to showcase the governor’s achievements and publicise opportunities for young people. They also said the initiative seeks to contribute to Abia’s gross domestic product through growth in the digital economy.
The Chief Strategy Officer, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, and Chief Information Officer, Mr Gerald Ilukwe, were also present at the meeting.
The expansion would increase the programme’s planned reach substantially beyond its 100-person pilot. Details of the application opening date, eligibility criteria, training duration and application platform were not provided in the statement.
Prospective applicants should therefore look out for an official announcement containing the verified application procedure before submitting personal information or paying any fees.
Avid Reporters
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