NEWS
“This Is the Age of Knowledge Where Wealth Is Tied to the Capacity to Create Solutions” — Gov. Alex Otti Says, as Abia, UK Opens SPRIRET Programme, Charges Stakeholders to Harness Digital Technology for Development
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has challenged stakeholders in the state to harness the transformative power of digital technology to solve pressing community challenges, declaring that the future of wealth creation is increasingly tied to knowledge, innovation and the ability to develop solutions that improve human life.
Governor Otti made the call on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while declaring open the State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) programme at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House, Umuahia.
The Governor, who spoke alongside the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, titled his speech “Partnership and the Dreams of Tomorrow,” describing technology as an indispensable accelerator of development and a 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 much 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,“ Governor Otti stated.
The Governor explained that the stakeholder engagement was aimed at bringing together relevant actors to examine how Abia’s technology policy and regulatory architecture could be strengthened to remove structural barriers, encourage investment and create a more supportive environment for digital innovation.
“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,“ Governor Otti stated.
He further highlighted the administration’s investments in digital skills development, noting that thousands of young people have already benefited from government-supported technology programmes.
“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 for several beneficiaries, the door 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,“ Governor Otti stated.
The Governor also expressed appreciation to the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, and the immediate-past British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, for their interest in Abia and their support for initiatives aimed at advancing the state’s digital transformation.
In his remarks, Baxter said the United Kingdom was pleased to partner with Abia State on SPRIRET, stressing that digital technology could play a major role in improving public services, creating economic opportunities and strengthening government effectiveness.
“Digital transformation cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires collaboration and open dialogue,” he said.
Baxter disclosed that the UK had supported about 450 civil servants in Abia to upgrade their digital skills, while community-owned connectivity hubs were being developed to expand affordable access to digital services and improve digital literacy.
He disclosed that one of the hubs is already operational at Okporoenyi Community, while another is being established at Arochukwu.
In his welcome address, the Chief Information Officer to the State Government, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, outlined Abia’s digital transformation journey, noting progress in digital infrastructure, connectivity, e-health services, digital public administration and support for technology entrepreneurs.
Ilukwe said the state was pursuing a whole-of-government approach to ICT in order to improve efficiency, strengthen coordination and avoid duplication.
He further disclosed that the FCDO, through its Digital Access Programme, is supporting five Nigerian states, including Abia, to undertake policy, regulatory and institutional reforms for digital development.
He said Abia remained open to further technical assistance and partnerships as the government works to strengthen digital public services, build human capacity and expand inclusive access to technology.
The engagement marks another step in Abia’s ongoing efforts to position technology and digital innovation as tools for solving everyday challenges, expanding economic opportunities and building
a more connected and inclusive state.