Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, in company with the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, has officially declared open the State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) programme, with a charge to stakeholders to identify ways of leveraging digital technology to solve community challenges.
Speaking at the SPRIRET Abia State Stakeholder Engagement Programme held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House, Umuahia, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, Governor Otti, who titled his speech “Partnership and the Dreams of Tomorrow”, described technology as an indispensable accelerator for development and the gateway to the opportunities of the modern age.
“My charge to all of us, as I declare this event formally open, is to identify ways of leveraging the possibilities of digital technology to solve many of the real problems confronting our communities, with particular attention to security challenges, unemployment, post-harvest losses for agro produce, urban property rentals, environmental degradation and other challenges that threaten our economic and social wellbeing.
“This is the age of knowledge where wealth is tied to the capacity to create solutions that enrich the human experience. The task for us therefore is to identify the operational vehicles for harnessing the opportunities that have been offered us by the genius of technology and the limitless capacity that it holds for our social and economic transformation,” Gov. Otti stated.
According to the Governor, the gathering was convened for stakeholders to share thoughts on how the technology regulatory architecture can be re-engineered to cut down structural barriers and stimulate private sector investments.
“The general idea is to liberalise the gains of the digital solutions revolution for expanded benefits. The State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) initiative has been set up by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO) to support States to develop robust policy frameworks, create resilient systems and build critical institutions that are foundational to the development of connected and accountable digital economic ecosystems,” Gov. Otti stated.
The State Chief Executive said that the commitment to technology development, particularly Information and Communication Technology, has spurred unprecedented growth of the tech ecosystem in Abia.
“The government, through the TechRise skills acquisition programme, has sponsored the training of more than 2,200 young people on a wide range of in-demand ICT skills. The focused training programme offered at TechRise has opened the door for several beneficiaries to local and international job opportunities, collaborations, and new ventures.
“Other government-supported initiatives like ThriveAbia, Abia Digi-Upskill and the Girls-in-ICT programmes have been instrumental in equipping our people with the skill-set to function and thrive in the global business environment. The leap in the appetite for digital skills acquisition has been supported by partners who share in our dream of an equal-opportunities world,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor specifically acknowledged the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, and the immediate-past British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, for their interest in Abia State.
In his remarks, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, said the United Kingdom is pleased to partner with Abia State on the initiative, describing digital technology as an important tool for improving public services, creating economic opportunities and strengthening government effectiveness.
Mr. Baxter said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of the UK and Abia State to building a supportive digital environment, stressing that meaningful progress requires leadership, collaboration and active participation of the private sector, civil society, academia and the wider technology ecosystem.
“Digital transformation cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires collaboration and open dialogue,” he said.
The British Deputy High Commissioner disclosed that the UK has already supported about 450 civil servants in Abia to upgrade their digital skills, while community-owned connectivity hubs are being developed to expand affordable access to digital services and improve digital literacy.
He said one of the hubs is already operational at Okporoenyi Community, while another is being established at Arochukwu, describing the interventions as foundations for the next phase of the State’s digital development.
Mr. Baxter noted that Nigeria’s digital economy contributes significantly to the national economy, but could achieve greater impact through improved infrastructure and a coherent policy and regulatory environment.
He expressed hope that the initiative would stimulate greater investment, including from British companies, while creating opportunities for innovation, inclusion and sustainable economic growth.
In his welcome address, the Chief Information Officer to the State Government, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, took participants through the digital journey of the State so far and said the programme would assess the State’s digital ecosystem and identify areas for improvement across government, the private sector, civil society, the technology ecosystem and digital inclusion.
He noted that the State has made progress in digital infrastructure, connectivity, e-health services, digital public administration and support for technology entrepreneurs, adding that the administration is pursuing a whole-of-government approach to ICT to promote efficiency and avoid duplication.
Mr. Ilukwe disclosed that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), through its Digital Access Programme, is supporting five Nigerian States, including Abia, to undertake policy, regulatory and institutional reforms for digital development.
The Chief Information Officer, who said Abia remains open to technical assistance and partnerships with the FCDO and other stakeholders as it continues to strengthen digital public services, human capacity and inclusive access to technology, added that the State Government seeks further support from the UK Government to fast-track digital transformation in the State.
The Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, the Member Representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, former Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Ph.D., Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D among other senior appointees of the Government were present at the event.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
September 17, 2026.
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