AKWA IBOM’S QUIET PREPARATION FOR A DIGITAL FUTURE

A’ IBOM’S QUIET PREPARATION FOR A DIGITAL FUTURE

By Destiny Young

At the Oron Youth Development Centre, a young secondary school graduate sits before a computer with hope and curiosity. He has no office in Uyo, no wealthy sponsor and no foreign connection. What he has is access to digital training through the ARISE Tech Talent Accelerator Programme.

A few months from now, he could be designing websites, managing online platforms, analysing data or providing technology services to clients outside Nigeria.

His story may be imagined, but the opportunity is real.

The flag off of the ARISE Tech Talent Accelerator Programme in Oron represents more than another government training scheme. It marks Akwa Ibom State’s quiet preparation for a digital future.

The Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who represented Governor Umo Eno at the event, described the programme as a strategic investment in young people. Its purpose is to equip them with skills required to compete in the global digital economy.

Today, a young person does not need to live in Lagos, Abuja, London or New York to earn from the global market. With the right digital skills, tools and internet access, someone living in Oron can work for clients anywhere in the world.

A trained web developer can build websites for schools, companies and public institutions. A digital marketer can manage campaigns for businesses. A data analyst can support organisations with useful information. A cybersecurity specialist can help protect systems and data. A graphic designer can create visual content for local and international clients.

The strength of the initiative lies in its decentralised structure. Rather than concentrating opportunities in Uyo, the government is establishing Youth Development Centres across the 31 local government areas.

This means that young people in rural communities can receive quality training without relocating.

Consider a young woman who completes secondary school but cannot immediately gain university admission. Through a nearby centre, she could learn digital communication, software development, data management or content creation.

With a laptop and proper guidance, she could help small businesses build online visibility, assist schools with digital records, support traders with online marketing or manage social media platforms for local organisations.

This is how digital training can move beyond certificates. It can create income, encourage innovation and build self reliance.

According to the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerete Ekanem, each centre is expected to train at least 1,000 young people annually. Across 31 local government areas, this could produce about 31,000 beneficiaries every year and more than 155,000 trained youths within five years.

When combined with other government skills programmes, more than 200,000 young people could benefit.

Akwa Ibom could develop a large pool of programmers, digital marketers, data analysts, cybersecurity professionals and technology entrepreneurs. Schools could improve digital learning. Small businesses could gain access to affordable technology services. Farmers and traders could use digital platforms to reach wider markets. Local governments could improve record keeping and service delivery.

A trained young person could work remotely for a company in another country. Another could build an application connecting fishermen with buyers. A group of trainees could establish a technology support company serving schools, hospitals and businesses.

The decision to provide laptops and essential tools to graduates is therefore important. Training without tools limits practical application. With equipment, beneficiaries can move from learning to productive work.

Oron’s role as the pioneer location also carries meaning. The local government provided land, completed its centre and commenced training before others. This shows what cooperation between government and communities can achieve.

The pioneer trainees now carry a major responsibility. Their success will inspire others and demonstrate the value of the programme.

A trainee who secures remote employment will show that location is no longer a complete barrier. One who builds a profitable digital business will create opportunities for others. Another who develops a useful community solution will prove that technology can address local problems.

The ARISE Tech Talent Accelerator Programme may appear to have started quietly, but its potential is far reaching.

Today, a young person in Oron may be learning to write code, design a digital product or manage information. Tomorrow, that same person may build a company, employ others and contribute to Akwa Ibom’s economy.

This is the future the state is preparing for. It is a future built on competence, innovation and digital readiness.