Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has approved the expansion of the ThriveAbia Digital Capacity Development and Mentorship Programme to accommodate 1,000 young people in its first cohort following the successful training of 100 participants under the pilot phase.

Governor Otti gave the approval on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in his office, while receiving a delegation led by the Director and Co-founder of Tech Excentric, the technical partners for the ThriveAbia programme.

The Governor expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the pilot phase and directed immediate expansion of the programme.

“I am therefore in agreement with the proposal to expand the programme to accommodate 1,000 participants. Indeed, it should be implemented as quickly as possible because time is of the essence. Applicants would apply and sit for the test, after which the results would determine those who proceed to the next stage,” Governor Otti said.

The State Chief Executive congratulated the team on the successful training of the first 100 participants, commending the 87 percent graduation rate and the fact that more than half of the participants were women.

“I am particularly impressed by what I have seen today. I congratulate you on the successful training of the first 100 participants and on the impressive results recorded. An 87 per cent graduation rate is commendable, especially when we consider that a significant proportion of the graduates are already earning in foreign currency,” Governor Otti stated.

The Governor noted that his administration is already collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the UNIPOD initiative, stressing that digital skills development and emerging technologies are critical to preparing young people for the future.

The Governor however emphasized that selection for the expanded programme must be strictly merit-based, proposing computer-based testing and additional assessments to ensure a transparent and competitive process.

Consequently, Governor Otti directed the team to work with relevant government officials to develop a clear implementation timetable and identify suitable facilities for the training.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. David Kalu, who introduced the team, said the ThriveAbia pilot was a huge success with 100 young Abians graduating in various digital skill areas. He noted that apart from the 87 percent graduation success, over 50 percent of the graduates have already started earning in foreign currencies as a result of the training and mentorship.

In their remarks, the Director, Mrs. Doris Akpuha, and Co-founder of Tech Excentric, Mr. Gilbert Igwe, expressed satisfaction with the success of the pilot phase and said the team is ready to commence the first cohort of 1,000 participants following the Governor’s approval.

According to them, the programme is designed to equip young Abians with practical digital skills, entrepreneurship capabilities and mentorship required to compete in the global digital economy.

They also disclosed plans to launch a social media campaign to showcase the Governor’s achievements and highlight opportunities being created for young people, adding that the initiative aims to increase Abia’s GDP through digital economy.

They thanked Governor Otti for the opportunity to partner the State Government.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, on Tuesday October 12, 2026 joined the royal family and millions of Spanish citizens to celebrate their national day.

The Ambassador represented Nigeria at Spain’s National Day celebration in Madrid while joining King Felipe VI and other dignitaries in the occasion.

The celebration featured a military parade, aerial displays and tributes to Spain’s national history and fallen service personnel.

The Ambassador’s attendance further highlights the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and Spain, as both countries seek to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, education, energy and cultural exchange.

“Diplomacy is not only about formal agreements; it is also about building relationships, deepening mutual understanding and creating opportunities for our people.

“Nigeria values its relationship with Spain and remains committed to strengthening the bonds between our two countries,” Ikpeazu noted.

He also said that, “Our presence at important national occasions such as this reflects Nigeria’s commitment to friendship, dialogue and constructive international partnerships.

”Nigeria and Spain continue to explore opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation, with diplomatic engagement playing an important role in advancing shared interests and promoting stronger ties between their peoples,” he conclud

………….Says “Abia Is Transitioning From Conventional To Digital Commerce

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, says his administration is repositioning the State from conventional trading to digital commerce.

He said that the future of global business depended in technology and digital delivery.

Governor Otti stated this on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, during the Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide with the theme “The Igbo Charter and Development of Ala Igbo”.

Gov. Otti said that Abia and Ndigbo, historically known for trading, are now deliberately shifting focus towards manufacturing and technology-driven commerce.

The Governor, responding to concerns over the increasing presence of Chinese traders competing with Igbo entrepreneurs in retail businesses in Lagos, said:”We are leaving that place of trading. In Abia, we have markets; the markets are important. But we are moving from the market to manufacturing. So, this Government is supporting manufacturing. We are driving digital delivery. We are leaving that physical store for digital delivery. So, when somebody talked about Alibaba, that’s exactly where we are headed.”

According to the Governor, the development of digital commerce will enable Abia entrepreneurs to compete globally rather than remain dependent on conventional physical markets.”So, why are the Chinese coming to compete with us? We are moving away from there and it’s going to start in Abia. So, Abia is both manufacturing and then trading. But we are moving from conventional trading to digital trading.

That’s where the world is going. You either embrace it or you risk being left behind,” Gov. Otti said.

The State Chief Executive further said his administration is investing heavily in digital skills for young people, noting that some residents trained under its TechRise initiative are already working for global tech giants from Aba.

“When I spend money here training my young people in digital technology under the TechRise initiative, I know what I am doing. Some of them are already working for Google and Amazon from Aba,” Gov. Otti said.”

So, you resist technology at your own risk. We are not afraid because we are moving that part of business to technology,” the Governor added.Governor Otti, who assured the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo of his administration’s support, described the theme of the celebration, “Njikọ Ka” – translated as “Unity is Supreme” – as apt, saying it reflects the importance of unity in diversity.

The governor said that his administration had laid a solid foundation for the development of the State, assuring that Abia will continue to witness significant transformation.

“We have retrieved and recovered our State. And the only way to go is up

.In his keynote address presented virtually, the Chairman of the Igbo Charter Committee for Strategic Engagement for National Development, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, said the Igbo Charter must be separated from party politics and should serve as a non-partisan roadmap for development, driven by merit, accountability and measurable targets.Prof. Moghalu identified key priorities including promoting the Igbo language, creating a digital marketplace, strengthening diaspora engagement, improving security and investment, and shifting from dependence on remittances to productive investments.

He called for true federalism, equitable citizenship and devolution of power, urging Ndigbo to move from discussions to practical implementation.

He described Governor Otti as “one of our best.”

In his welcome address, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, said the Igbo Lecture and Dinner was convened to harness the collective strength of Ndigbo through a unified development strategy.He noted that despite their individual brilliance, enterprise and resilience, Ndigbo are yet to fully achieve their collective potential.

He said the Igbo Charter for Strategic Engagement for National Development, written by over 67 Igbo technocrats and business leaders, provides a documented framework for engaging the Nigerian State and the wider world.He said the Charter proposes pathways to protect Igbo culture, particularly the Igbo language, and suggested that Igbo language be made compulsory in primary and secondary schools across Igboland.

He also called on the Federal Government to find a political solution to the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, called on Ndigbo to work together to develop Ala Igbo.

“We must look forward to building a brighter future, moving beyond complaining about those who won’t give us our due, to taking our destiny in our own hands,” he said.

Chief Ugochukwu commended Governor Otti for the good governance being delivered in Abia and lauded the President-General and leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for their determination and consistency in sustaining the observance of Igbo Day.

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Chief Enyinnaya Onukalu.