Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, says that his Government takes the welfare of workers, skill acquisitions and gender based violence seriously and is committed to sustaining its policy on skill acquisition and manpower training.
Governor Otti was speaking on Friday, October 17th, while receiving in his office, a delegation of the New State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Mrs Helen Okpara.
He informed the delegation that the seriousness his Government attached to skill acquisition led it to introduce a technologically driven programme where 510 young people were trained on Tech and Digital skills, and another set of 850 persons representing 50 persons from each of the 17 LGAs who are lodged in Aba and currently being trained, as well as inaugurated a board of technological skill acquisition centre.
“We take skill acquisition very seriously, and we have even set up a leadership academy.
“And just recently, we inaugurated a technological skills acquisition centre with the board chaired by Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, an inventor in the US. I think he is involved in the production of chips for Apple, but he comes from Isuikwuato in Abia State.
“For us, we are looking at the acquisition of modern skills so that our people can compete globally. In the World of artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, electric vehicles, driverless cars, etc. The world has moved.
“As we speak, we have 850 of our young people being trained in a program we call TechRise. They are locked up for 12 weeks for the training.
“They are in Aba, as we speak. What is the vision? By the time they are done, they will be available for employment anywhere.
“So, it (tech) is something that occupies a very important space in our plan. So, I don’t think you can get any better than that, “Gov. Otti stated.
The State Chief Executive added that the State is setting up skill centres in Mgbarakuma, Ubakala in Umuahia South, Ohafia and Aba respectively.
The Governor directed the Commissioner for Women Affairs to get in touch with the State Controller and ensure that issues of gender based violence are tackled without the rigorous stress the State Controller complained about.
“Anywhere there is gender-based violence or any violation, the Ministry takes it up. And we take it very seriously.
“Please, let her be in touch with her (State Controller). For the simple reason that we have a dedicated programme for gender-based violence.
“And we have a budget for that. So, instead of calling the police, you should actually call the Ministry. And the Ministry will take it up.
The Governor, who commended the State Controller, also appreciated the fantastic job the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment and an Abia daughter, Dr Nkiruka Onyejioc, ha is doing in the Ministry.
Earlier, the Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Mrs Helen Okpara, commended Governor Otti for his infrastructural strides and welfare reforms that have transformed the State’s labour environment.
She applauded the improved road network in Aba, describing it as a major boost for businesses and industrial operations in the State.
Dr Okpara extolled the State Government’s prudent financial management, prompt salary payments, and efforts to clear the huge salary arrears left by the immediate past administration, especially in Abia State University Teaching Hospital, which she said had previously suffered incessant strikes.
She further hailed the recruitment of over 5,000 teachers, describing it as a bold step that has lifted many families out of poverty and aligns with the Federal Government’s Sustainable Skills for the Unemployed (SUSI) project.
Mrs Okpara appealed for stronger synergy between the State and Federal authorities in combating child labour and gender-based violence, lamenting that the lack of adequate Police cooperation had stalled progress in those areas. She announced the desire of the Ministry to collaborate with Abia workers.
She also advocated the establishment of a functional skill acquisition centre in Abia to empower youths who are unable to attend tertiary institutions, adding that such trainees would receive internationally recognised trade test certificates.
The Head of Service, Mr Benson Ojeikere, Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr Kingsley Nwokocha, the SSA on Labour Relations, Comrade Godson Aṅucha, among others, were present at the visit.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
17 – 10 – 2025.
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