NEWS
Aba North Mayor, Hon. Timothy Iheke Inspires Abia TechRise Cohort 3 Participants, Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Digital Empowerment
By @TheKELVINATOR, The Eyes Opener News | June 18, 2026
The Executive Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and digital capacity development through a surprise visit to participants of the Abia TechRise Cohort 3 programme currently camped at Hotel De La Paix in Aba North Local Government Area.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, June 18, 2026, was marked by excitement and enthusiasm as the Mayor interacted directly with the young trainees, encouraging them to take full advantage of the life-changing opportunity provided by the Abia State Government through the TechRise initiative.
Addressing the participants, Hon. Iheke described Aba North as the proud host of the programme and urged the beneficiaries to see themselves as ambassadors of the local government. He challenged them to embrace the training with seriousness and dedication, stressing that every form of knowledge acquired has value and relevance in shaping a successful future.
The Mayor encouraged the trainees not to take the opportunity for granted simply because it was offered free of charge. He urged them to remain focused throughout the duration of the programme, emphasizing the importance of discipline, commitment, and hard work in achieving excellence.
According to him, the three-month intensive training period should leave a lasting impact on their lives and equip them with skills capable of transforming their future.
He further reminded the participants of the need to maintain exemplary conduct throughout the programme, noting that good behaviour and discipline are essential qualities that would complement their technical knowledge and prepare them for future opportunities.
Expressing gratitude for the participants’ wellbeing, Hon. Iheke thanked God that there had been no reported health challenges among the trainees and encouraged them to continue taking care of themselves while remaining committed to their studies.
In their separate remarks, the participants expressed appreciation to the Mayor for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit and encourage them. They pledged to make Aba North Local Government and the entire state proud through their dedication and outstanding performance during the training.
The trainees also highlighted a number of challenges affecting them at the camp.
Responding promptly, the Mayor assured them that the concerns raised would receive attention and appropriate action.
As a further demonstration of support, Hon. Iheke provided data subscriptions to the participants to facilitate their learning activities and internet-based training exercises. He reiterated the importance of making productive use of the resources available to them and encouraged them to strive for excellence in both character and academic performance.
The visit concluded on a spiritual note as the Mayor offered prayers for the participants, committing their learning journey and future aspirations into God’s hands. In a reciprocal gesture, the participants also prayed for the Chairman, asking for divine wisdom, strength, and success in his leadership responsibilities.
One of the most memorable highlights of the visit occurred when Hon. Iheke engaged one of the participants in a spontaneous conversation in French. The exchange immediately captured the attention of everyone present, drawing admiration and applause from fellow trainees who were amazed by both the Mayor’s and the participant’s fluency in the language. The moment added a lively and inspiring dimension to the visit, showcasing the importance of continuous learning and global communication skills.
The Abia TechRise programme remains one of the most ambitious youth-focused digital empowerment initiatives in Nigeria. Designed as a fully residential and state-sponsored technology boot camp, the programme seeks to equip Abia youths with globally relevant digital skills and position them as active contributors to the modern digital economy.
Implemented through a strategic partnership between the Abia State Government, Learn Factory, and the 17 Local Government Councils, the programme provides intensive training lasting between 12 and 16 weeks in some of the world’s most sought-after technology disciplines.
Currently in its third cohort, the programme commenced in May 2026 with 850 successful participants drawn from across the state’s 17 local government areas, averaging about 50 trainees from each council. The selection process was highly competitive, with more than 7,600 completed applications received before the final admission list was released in April 2026.
Participants are receiving hands-on training in emerging technology fields including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning with Python, Full-Stack Web and Mobile Application Development, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, UI/UX Design, Product Management, and Digital Arts.
Beyond technical training, the programme places strong emphasis on employability and economic empowerment. Outstanding graduates are connected to internship opportunities, freelance networks, and direct employment pathways. In a landmark incentive, the Abia State Government has already offered automatic civil service employment to the top 50 graduates from previous cohorts, further demonstrating its commitment to nurturing a digitally skilled workforce.
The visit by Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke underscored the growing collaboration between local governments and the Abia State Government in advancing youth development, innovation, and digital transformation. It also reinforced the shared vision of building a generation of technologically empowered young people capable of driving economic growth and positioning Abia as a leading hu
b for digital innovation in Nigeria.