The Senator Austin Akobundu Foundation’s digital skills training program for youths in the Abia Central Senatorial District concluded on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at NOSTROCOM House, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia. Senator Austin Akobundu, the program’s facilitator, urged participants to leverage their newly acquired skills to launch businesses that positively contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
This 6-week program, funded entirely by the Senator, focused on six highly sought-after areas of digital technology: UI/UX Design, Web Design, Professional Graphics Design, Cyber Security Systems and Operations, Digital Marketing, and Forex Trading.
In his address to the graduates, the Senator emphasized that these skills are not merely tools for personal advancement; they are also gateways to innovation, economic productivity, and community development.
He highlighted that youths from all 62 Wards of the District benefited from this initiative, which was intentionally designed to ensure equitable representation, giving every Ward a stake in this transformative effort.
“Let me clarify that this program is not sponsored by any agency. It is an initiative of the Senator Augustine Akobundu Foundation, funded entirely through my personal resources.
“I invested in this program because I firmly believe that empowering our youth is the most sustainable way to improve the human development indices of Abia Central Senatorial District and create a brighter future for everyone,” the Distinguished Senator stated to the graduates.
He noted that the training represented a significant investment worth millions of naira and took the opportunity to commend both the graduates and the dedicated facilitators and mentors whose commitment contributed to the success of this initiative and laid the foundation for future achievements.
Next year, a total of 1,000 youths are expected to undergo training, while this year, 186 youths from Abia Central and beyond completed the inaugural program.
During the event, six top graduates received awards from the Distinguished Senator. The awardees included: Nwaeke Godson Chinonyerem (Forex), Wisdom Ezeocha John (Graphics Design), and Great Chioma Mary (Digital Marketing). Additional recipients were Gbaruko Chidozie Godwin (Cyber Security), Emole Peter Adimchinaobi (UI/UX), and Nwokoma Oddy (Website Design).
As a gesture of his ongoing support, the Senator promised further empowerment to the participants and ensured their safe return home, presenting them with certificates to commemorate their achievement.
