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UZODINMA GRADUATES 15,000 YOUTHS FROM SKILLUPIMO COHORT 2.

Leave a Comment / Senator Hope Uzodinma /

 MINISTRY OF DIGITAL ECONOMY AND E- GOVERNMENT. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State on Wednesday, September 27th 2023 graduated the 15,000 Cohort 2 Skillupimo students at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.  The SkillupImo Project is the premier digital empowerment programme of H.E Dist. Senator Hope Uzodinma’s administration targeted at up-skilling, re-skilling and training 300,000 Imo youths to acquire the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) skill sets needed to align and fit into the evolving digital world. 5,000 Imolites had earlier graduated from the programme, thus bringing the total number of graduates to 20,000 This initiative to infuse Imo youths with digital skills is in line with the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA) 2022 to 2026 with the aim of making Imo the digital skills hubs of Africa and curbing the menace of unemployment and insecurity. The Agenda is also in sync with the Federal Government’s National Digital Economy Policy & Strategy (NDEPS), 2020-203 “My dear future technology tycoons, the Skill-Up Imo project means the world to me, and I desire to see you succeed. To me, Skill-Up Imo is the investment of our administration in a future that has already arrived. I see an array of opportunities in the digital sphere that if exploited, will give Imo the competitive advantage among the comity of states affording us the enviable status of the technology hub of the country. “My dear young ones, in this world of technology, there is no room for laxity, arms folding, or aimless slumber. The world has virtually been reduced to a small village that sits on the palm of your hand. If ever the maxim ‘your destiny is in your hands’ were true, it is now. I urge you to get up and maximize this opportunity for destiny favours the diligent” said the Governor in his address. He added that Imo has continued to record high graduate employment through SkillupImo with tech-based companies such as Zinox Technologies Ltd, Konga Online Ltd, Wakanow.com etc, whilst calling on all the graduates to make the best use of the skills learnt towards transforming Imo State and, by extension, the entire country into a bedrock of technological advancement in Africa. “Let me also assure you all that we shall not relent in our efforts towards making the quality of the Programme a world-class standard by strengthening our collaborative partnerships with global tech giants like Microsoft, CISCO and Hauwei”, he stated. In furtherance of this, I am glad to inform you that we already have an understanding with some European and Canadian Companies. Through this understanding, Companies in these countries have agreed to send us a list of specific digital skills they require to service their production in their home countries and requested us to train our youths in these specified skills. He announced that the Cohort III batch of the Skill-Up Imo programme which will commence soon will train another set of Forty Thousand (40,000) youths in digital skills. At the event, the Chairman of Zinox Technologies Ltd, Mr. Leo- Stan Ekeh challenged the 15,000 youths who graduated from the Cohort 2 Skill-Up Imo project to take advantage of the training they have acquired to be what God says they should be. “I am not a politician. But I can tell you this is not politics. I come from here, from one remote community here in Imo State. If I was given an opportunity like this many years ago, I would have been one of the five richest men in the world. Nobody has done what Governor Hope Uzodimma is doing in Imo,” Mr. Ekeh whose Zinox Technologies Ltd dominates the market in Africa said. Mr. Ekeh also advised the families of the lucky graduates to commit Governor Uzodimma in their prayers so that God will continue to use him to improve on the lives of the people. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani in his remarks congratulated Governor Uzodimma for taking such bold step to impact on the lives of the youths. Dr. Tijani said going by what he has seen, Imo State is emerging as the digital headquarters of Nigeria. He said that the Governor can conveniently be referred to as a professor in digital affairs. The Minister who admonished the graduates not to misuse the opportunity which has been given to them and promised that his ministry will partner with the Governor and government on all areas that concern the SkillupImo project Earlier in his welcome address, the Imo State Commissioner for Digital Economy and E- Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi thanked Governor Uzodimma for his investment in the youths. He reminded the audience that in the history of Nigeria, no Governor or government has invested as much as Governor Uzodimma in one single swoop for a graduation programme like the one under review. ’’ SkillupImo has not just successfully empowered youths with essential digital skills and tools enabling them to access greater job opportunities and improved their livelihood but we have also served as a model and inspiration for other States” stated Amadi. He added that the graduates will not forget Governor Uzodimma in a hurry. Some of the graduates who gave testimonies of their experiences regarding the programme on behalf of their colleagues, expressed how their lives had changed while appealing to the Governor to ensure the sustainability of the project. The graduates were handed over  HP brand new laptop to enable them practice their skills The event was attended by many dignitaries including the wife of the Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, the Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of States, Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon Nkiruka Onyejiocha, the Director General of South East Governors Forum, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Chike Olemgbe, the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Theresa Chikeka, Former I.N.E.C chairman, Dr. Maurice Iwu among others

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UZODINMA SET TO GRADUATE 15,000 YOUTHS FROM COHORT 2

UZODINMA SET TO GRADUATE 15,000 YOUTHS FROM COHORT 2

Leave a Comment / Senator Hope Uzodinma /

GOVERNORS, MINISTERS, DIPLOMATS SET TO GRACE CEREMONY MINISTRY OF DIGITALECONOMY AND E-GOVERNMENT Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State will on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, gather governors, ministers and members of the diplomatic corps at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, by 11am for the graduation of 15,000 youths of Imo and beyond from Cohort 2 of the SkillUpImo Project. Imo Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, noted that the project is the premier digital empowerment programme initiated by the governor to train and equip Imo youths with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skillset. On February 22, 2023, the governor had graduated 5,000 youths trained in different digital skills such as front-end and back-end development, digital marketing, cyber security, data analytics, content creation, User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) design, graphics design, tracking engineering, phone repairs and virtual assistance. “Cohort 2, which started on May 4, 2023 trained 15,000 youths in those different knowledge areas, and a lot of them have, today, launched their own startups, created their own digital ventures. A lot of them also have already been employed by tech companies like Zinox, Konga, WakaNow and other digital-driven businesses in and outside Imo. “This is in line with His Excellency’s Shared Prosperity mandate to ensure that tech is leveraged in solving youth unemployment in the state,” Dr. Amadi said. Preparatory to Wednesday’s graduation, the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government is organising a tech walk, where all the graduands of Cohorts 1 and 2 will come out en masse for a sensitisation walk across Owerri to create awareness on digital adoption, digital literacy and skills. Dignitaries expected at the event are governors of Ebonyi and Cross River states, Minister of Sports Development, Minister of State, Labour and Employment and Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy will be Special Guest of Honour. Also to grace the occasion are the British High Commission, Canadian High Commission, Embassy of Germany and the Chairman of Zinox Technologies, Leo Stan Ekeh. The commissioner disclosed that the 3R Digital Learning Centre at the ministry has been completed with state-of-the-art digital equipment to support qualitative digital teaching and learning, awaiting commissioning for the commencement of Cohort 3 According to him, the centre will open a week after the graduation of Cohort 2.

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Wakanow joins Uzodimma’s SkillUpImo partners

Leave a Comment / Skillup Imo /

For its successes within its first year, SkillUpImo project has attracted more blue chip companies, especially those in the tech space. The latest addition to the list is Wakanow. SkillUpImo, a spinoff of the digital economy  agenda of Imo State Governor, Dist, Senator Hope Uzodinma, targets to train and equip 300,000 Imolites with Industry 4.0 skillset, connecting 60 per cent of them to high- paying jobs and empowering the rest 40 per cent to be tech-preneurs. This development, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, noted, came on the heels of transformative partnership talks by officials of SkillUpImo and Wakanow, an online travel consolidator that offers flight bookings, hotel reservations, airport pickups and tour services. With 8,000 affiliates and 500 sub-agents, across Africa. In a two-day entrepreneurship workshop for affiliates and sub-agents of Wakanow recently held  at the newly reconstructed 3R Digital Learning Centre, Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government headquarters, which over 250 participants took part in skill-based training, the Honorable Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government,  Dr. Amadi, appreciated the Wakanow group for establishing their first South East office in Imo State, in recognition of the contributions of Uzodimma in the digital upskilling and economic empowerment of Imo youths. “The most important opportunity presented by this training is the possibility of being your own boss. You can work from your homes and earn hard currencies. In SkillUpImo, you are transformed from being a    job-seeker to a wealth creator. We support you to innovate and elevate with your ideas. Today, this opportunity is here with us,” he told the participants.  During the training, Amadeus and Saber Global Distribution System (GDS), partners of wakanow.com, were on the ground to make presentations after which panel discussions were held on industry trends. There were tests to assess participants’ knowledge of what was taught them, as well as prize giving on the last day. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and excitement as 44 winners emerged from the first round of test questions with a prospect of being engaged as frontline Affiliates of wakanow.com operations in the Southeast region. Four out of the five shortlisted trainees Alex Akujobi, Promise Chizaram and Kelechi Chilaka, and Grace Akor, emerged as finalists and were gifted Samsung tablets and HP laptop while other participants went home with lots of giveaways from wakanow and its partners. In his closing remarks, Amadi thanked the Wakanow group. While reminding all of the limitless opportunities of transformation and empowerment prevalent in Private-Public Partnership (PPP), he called for further partnerships and collaboration to take SkillUpImo to its target destination. The Wakanow team that facilitated the training programme included Director, Corporate and Holidays, Gbenga Onitilo; Head, Affiliate Business, Wole Taylor; Regional Manager, Michel Chikeka; Affiliate Sales Supervisor, Onyeka Nwoko; Head of Marketing, Nigeria, Jerimiah Badero; Video Graphics, Damodar Iroayo and Motion Graphics, Emmanuel Adesina

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Imo Commissioner, Chimezie Amadi, receives Leadership Excellence Award

Leave a Comment / Dr Chimezie Amadi /

The Imo State Commissioner for Digital Economy and e-Government, Dr Chimezie Amadi, has been honoured with the prestigious “Leadership Excellence” Award at the 2023 edition of the Arise Africa Achievers Award. The Award was bestowed on Amadi in recognition of his outstanding leadership exploits as he leads the team responsibility for transforming the State’s economy into a fully-digitised one and drives the implementation of the SkillUpImo initiative, among other spin-off projects aimed at empowering the youths in the State with digital skills and tools. While conferring the award on Amadi recently in Owerri, attended by over 250 change makers, with thousands more online, the President, Arise Africa Network of Nigeria and publisher of Arise Africa Magazine, Mr Ikechukwu Anyanwu, said the award to Amadi was well deserved. According to Anyanwu, “In the world of business, great leaders are like beacons that guide their organizations towards success and growth. They possess an uncanny ability to inspire, motivate, and bring out the best in their teams and Dr Amadi stands as one of those beacons in the Imo State cabinet driving implementation of strategic youth-centric digital empowerment project.” He said the panel of assessors for the award adjudged Amadi as the recipient of the prestigious award, based on his “exceptional and exemplary leadership quality and outstanding performance as the commissioner for Imo State Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Government.” Anyanwu said the award was to celebrate Amadi’s unwavering commitment to empowering the youths through the SkillupImo programme and other initiatives of his ministry. “Through these digital skill empowerment project, the government, through the Ministry which Amadi supervises, is unlocking the potential of individuals, supporting their innovative ideas, and equipping them with skills to harness their talents and shape their destinies.” “We, therefore, congratulate Dr. Chimezie Amadi on this well-deserved award. We are filled with optimism for the future. We stand united in supporting his vision and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and positive impact of his ministry’s programmes on the lives of countless individuals in Imo state, as we stride forward, empowering lives and shaping a better, digitally-inclusive tomorrow,” concluded Anyanwu. Responding, the Commissioner appreciated the Management and Panel of Assessors at the Arise Africa Achievers Award for the recognition, stating that “I consider this recognition as a call to do greater service, a call to do more for the State in our journey to achieving the digital transformation agenda of our Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma.” “I consider myself lucky for being given the privilege by our Digital Governor to oversee the Ministry of Digital Economy & E-Government where we continue to make our modest efforts to actualise the agenda of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Digital Governor of Imo State,” he said. He dedicated the award to the dynamic members of staff at the Ministry, who he said, have continued to give him the necessary support, working tool and nail, towards advancing the course of digital empowerment of the youths for the overall economic transformation in the state. It would be recalled that, among other recognitions, Imo State was in May, 2023, ranked top (#Number 1) above all other states in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in terms of digital innovation and entrepreneurship development in the country in the 2022 State of Entrepreneurship Index Report for Nigeria Report by the FATE Institute of the popular FATE Foundation. Now in its ninth year, Arise Achievers Award is an annual accolade event established to celebrate people, places and values that contribute towards significant impact on the African continent. It’s the largest annual gathering hosted to engage with young people of Africa and addresses the most pressing developmental issues facing current generation. Signed: Sandra OparaPublic Relations OfficerMinistry of Digital Economy& E-Government, Imo State

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NCC BACKS IMO STATE GOVERNMENT'S DIGITAL ECONOMY AGENDA

NCC BACKS IMO STATE GOVERNMENT’S DIGITAL ECONOMY AGENDA

Leave a Comment / Dr Chimezie Amadi, Skillup Imo /

MINISTRY OF DIGITAL ECONOMY AND E- GOVERNMENT. The Nigeria Office For Developing Indigenous Telecom Sector( NODITS), established by the National Policy for the promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector( NPPIC) under the purview of the Nigerian Communications Communications( NCC) has expressed its readiness to partner with the Imo State Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government in its digital economy initiative drive. Receiving the NCC team from Abuja who paid him a courtesy visit at the Ministry’s Headquarters, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr.Chimezie Amadi conveyed his pleasure at their visit while stating that in order to achieve synergy as stakeholders in the digital transformation agenda of Nigeria, collaborative partnership is needed to allign their efforts both at the national and sub- national levels. In furtherance to explore opportunities of partnership with NODITS and NCC at large, Dr. Amadi outlined four key areas; Strategic alliance in teaching and learning facility support, Facilitation of exchange programmes and exposure to international conferences, Start- up funding and support for Imo startups as well as the provision of Internship opportunities for SkillUpImo graduates. Earlier in her speech, Engr. Biaduo Tanana Uchechi Ph.d, Principal Manager Nigeria Office for Developing Indigenous Telecom Sector NCC feted Dr.Amadi on his achievements despite the short period in office, and commended His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma for selecting one of the best brains in NCC to pilot the affairs of the State’s digital economy. Amadi revealed that the reason why National policies and agendas are short- lived is because State Governments often fail to key into Federal Government policies and agendas and as such do not lend credence to the efforts of the Federal government. He maintained that collaborative partnership is a sine qua non for building blocks of connectivity between States and the Federal Government. Responding, Mr.Frank Uzochukwu Oli Principal Manager Finance & Stakeholder Engagement (NODIT/NCC) stated that the Imo State Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government had structured all their operations in line with the objectives of the Nation’s digital agenda. Voicing his satisfaction he remarked that Dr. Amadi in his presentation, covered the four key focus area of NODITS; Manufacturing, People, Services and software as well as research and development. Affirming their unflinching partnership, Mr Oli acceded to the proposed partnership opportunities elaborated upon by Imo Government. He disclosed that NODITS andNCC’s collaborative efforts will see Imo startups participating in GITEX 2023, the biggest Tech expo scheduled for October in Dubai, the Nigerian Indigenous Content scheduled for August in Lagos, Hackathon Shows etc.He reiterated the incorporation of. teaching and learning support especially in E- governance in order to encourage digital and economic diffusion in all sectors, while adding that opportunities for exchange programmes which will promote knowledge and skills transfer will be made avaliable for SkillUpImo graduates .Further, pledging guidance on ways to access funding and support for Imo startups. Acting as a recipient, the soon to be launched Tech -Talent -To- job (TT2J) initiative of His Excellency Dist.Senator Hope Uzodinma, will see the NCC, Imo Government collaboration mainstream and facilitate SkillUpImo graduates entry into high tech employment opportunities both within Nigeria and around the globe Sandra Opara.P.R.O

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Ministry for digital economy and e-governace.

Imo State to Connect Youths to Global Tech Job Opportunities

Leave a Comment / Dr Chimezie Amadi, Human Development, Opportunity /

MINISTRY OF DIGITAL ECONOMY AND E GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASE The Imo State Government has said it is ready to decisively connect trainees from its youth-centric digital empowerment project, the SkillUpImo Initiative, to job opportunities in Nigeria and globally, in countries such as Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and other European countries, among others. The Imo State Commissioner for Digital Economist and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, disclosed this recently at a training session with participants in the ongoing Cohort 2 of the State’s SkillUpImo Project in the state, where he said the next phase of its youth empowerment programme will be implemented under the ‘Tech Talent to Jobs’ (TT2J) initiative, aimed at creating local and international job opportunities for Imo youths. Amadi said that Governor Uzodimma, having continuously trained many Imo youths on various digital skills and equipping them with necessary tools required for them to become ‘complete Techprenuers’ under the SkillUpImo Project, where many are still being trained, the next level for the State government is to see how the beneficiaries can tap into local and global tech job opportunities. According to the Commissioner, under the guidance and through the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government in Imo State created the SkillUpImo Project. He said through the Project, many youths have gone through digital training programmes where they have been equipped with digital skills and tools. “However, as the SkillUpImo Project progresses, towards achieving our target of training 300,000 Imolites in cutting-edge digital skills, connecting 60 per cent of the graduands to high-paying jobs as well as empowering 40 per cent of the graduands to be their own bosses, a new initiative tagged: ‘Tech Talent to Jobs (TT2J)” initiative is being birthed. “The TT2J will naturally mainstream the graduates of the SkillUpImo Project, where they will now be matched with top level employment opportunities both locally and internationally in countries such as Canada, United States, United Kingdom, other European countries, among others. I am happy to inform you that HIS Excellency, Distinguished Senator has directed the Ministry to workout the modalities for immediate implementation of the new programme, Amadi said. Meanwhile, having seen the great potential in the two initiatives of the Digital Governor – the SkillUpImo Project and the TT2J – , a non-governmental organisation, Youth Off The Streets Initiatives (YOTSI), has identified with Imo State on its youth development vision and expressed its readiness to partner with the State. President of YOTSI, Comrade Kennedy Nyere, who was on a fact-finding tour to the State recently, said his NGO had extensively understudied the Imo State initiatives in the area of youth empowerment and got convinced that a partnership between the Imo State and its NGO has become necessary for accelerating development in the state. “Our vision to, among others, support and empower young people to build a positive future aligns with the great work which the Imo State is doing in the area of youth empowerment initiatives and we are seeking to collaborate with the State’s Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government through signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard,” Nyere said. The NGO used the opportunity of its visit to the state to actively interact with the participants of the ongoing Cohort 2 of the State’s SkillUpImo Project during which Nyere extended financial support to some trainees and their family members with a view of motivating them and igniting their entrepreneurial drive. Signed: Sandra OparaPublic Relations OfficerMinistry of Digital Economy & E-Government,Imo State

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Senetor Hope Uzodinma wins innovative governor of the year

Uzodimma beats Edo, Lagos, Kogi govs to Innovative Digital Governor award

Leave a Comment / Imo Sate /

Pedro lays out case for job creation through technology despite their efforts ascend the digital innovation ladder, governors of Edo and Lagos states failed a feature in the prestigious Innovative Digital Governor of the Year trophy, which Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State eventually carted home. At the 19th Titans of Tech Africa Awards, at the weekend, Imo was voted Most Innovative Digital State of the Year, beating Kogi and others, as Uzodimma won the Most Innovative Digital Governor of the Year. Also, Imo Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, was honoured with a Merit Award, in recognition of his “excellent service, dedication and unparalleled contribution to the development of the nigerian economy.” The two honours for the Eastern Heartland are a product of SkillUpImo Project, which trains youths of Imo and other states on tech skills. Declaring the ceremony open, former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Femi Pedro, praised the organisers of the awards for their consistency over the years and transparency in the award process. He urged youths to create jobs and become their own bosses with available tech tools, which others created, citing Sweden, which uses drones for courier services. The erudite banker noted that in recognising excellence, celebrating commitment and rewarding winners, the Titans of Tech Africa Awards” is contributing to efforts at building the nation’s telecommunications industry.” Convener of the awards, Don Pedro Aganbi, in his address, noted the awards as a platform dedicated to recognising the achievements, successes and triumphs of key stakeholders across the entire digital technology spectrum and telling the stories. He insisted that awards are a great way to encourage good behaviour, inculcate competitive spirit and spur the industry to greater heights. Other winners include Executive Secretary, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Dambatta (Pan African Regulator of the Year); Dr. Vincent Olatunji (Data Centre Man of the Year); Ikechukwu Nnamani (Data Centre Personality of the Year and Peter Ejiofor (Cyber Security Personality of the Year). Others are Kehinde Ogundare (Country Manager of the Year), Oke Umurhohwo (Best Marketing Manager of the Year) and Reuben Muoka (Best Digital Public Relations Communicator of the Year). Also, Zoho was voted the Pan African Tech Company of the Year, Parallex Bank crowned Digital Financial Solutions Provider of the Year while Itel clinched Best Budget-Friendly Phone Brand of the Year. Other winners at the high-octane event include VERTIV (Most Innovative Data Centre Cooling Provider of the Year), EKOEXCEL (Most Innovative Digital Learning Platform of The Year) and IpNX as Enterprise Business Solutions Provider of the Year. Titans of Tech Hall of Fame Awards, popularly called Nigeria’s Tech Industry Grammy, is designed to celebrate the movers and shakers, pioneers and innovators, who blazed the trail and used tech to improve the way of life in the society.

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IMO DEPUTY SPEAKER LENDS SUPPORT TO THE UZODINMA’S DIGITAL INITIATIVE.

Leave a Comment / Imo Sate /

The winners of the season 2 SkillUpImo Challenge, a sub-initiative of Hope Uzodinma’s led digital transformation agenda have emerged. You may recall that in each Cohort of the SkillupImo program, the Ministry organizes a hackathon to stimulate the innovative and creative prowess of the Learners. The hackathon is one of the strategic initiatives embedded in the IMO Digital Economy Agenda ( IDEA) 2022-2026, which gives a big fillip to the goal of equipping 300,000 Imolites with industry 4.0 skill sets by 2026. The weekly challenge winners were unveiled in an elaborate ceremony held at the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government. They went home with cash prizes and opportunities for employment in wakanow.com [a leading travel technology company in Africa], which was present at the Prize giving ceremony for the SkillupImo Cohort 2 season 2 Challenge. The Wakanow Team, led by Mr. Gbenga Onitilo, expressed the tech companies’ excitement at the efforts of the Imo State government to empower its youths with cutting-edge digital skills. In his words, “Wakanow’s success can be ascribed to its heavy investment in digital technology”. Mr. Gbenga announced the formal opening of the wakanow.com office in Owerri while extending an invitation to SkillupImo trainees. Revealing her youth empowerment project, termed Affiliate program, that offers the opportunity to become entrepreneurs in the travel business, he advised all the trainees to sign up for the lucrative offer. Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr.Chimezie Amadi, expressed happiness with the development. “unlike before Hope Uzodimma’s administration, tech companies are beginning to have footprints in Imo, all thanks to the visionary and forward-thinking Digital Governor of Nigeria Dist. Senator Hope Uzodinma CON for creating the enabling environment for tech-driven businesses to thrive in IMO state”. The event’s highlight, which elicited exultant joy and applause from the trainees, was Dr. Amadi’s announcement that N1milliin would be up for grabs by the top 10 winners in the season 3 challenge. The Honorable Commissioner confirmed that Rt.Hon.Chyna Amara Iwuanyanwu, the Deputy Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly, has committed to lend support to the Governor’s SkillupImo Cohort 2, Season 3 challenge. Rt. Hon. Chyna Amara Iwuanyanwu, a firm lover of the youths and a great supporter of the digital initiative of His Excellency, who continually seeks to promote youth-centered development, donated a cash prize of N400,000 to the first 4 lucky winners of the Hope Uzodinma’s SkillupImo Challenge. The award ceremony drew to a close by handing prizes to the winners. A differently-abled – trainee, Tenderly Nwakji, studying Leadership and Entrepreneurship at the Ministry Centre, won the 4th Prize. Her category was judged based on video quality, creativity, and presentation. 3rd prize winner, Dandy Ifeanyi Alvan studying video editing at the Alvan Centre, won with 246 likes, 246 comments, and 22 shares, being the second runner-up with the highest number of likes, comments, and shares. The previous winner of the last Cohort 2 challenge, Anyanwuocha Chidi Martins, an Intro to Programming student of Poly Nekede, again mesmerized hundreds of other competitors to come out tops to grab the 2nd price award. Damian Chidera David, a student of Imo State University studying Front-end development, awed the world with the best video quality, creativity, and presentation skills to clench the first in the SkillupImo Cohort 2 Season 2 challenge. In his vote of thanks, first-prize winner Damian Chidera David applauded the sponsors of the season 3 challenge, Rt. Hon Chyna Amara Iwuanyanwu and the Executive Governor of Imo State, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodinma for their Love for the Digital empowerment of the State and, at the same time, called on Imo youths to utilize this invaluable opportunity to acquire digital economic empowerment.

IMO DEPUTY SPEAKER LENDS SUPPORT TO THE UZODINMA’S DIGITAL INITIATIVE. Read More »

Skillupimo Challenge Cohort 2 Season 2 Winners Announced: Celebrating Imo State's Tech Talent

Skillupimo Challenge Cohort 2 Season 2 Winners Announced: Celebrating Imo State’s Tech Talent

Leave a Comment / Skillup Imo /

Date: July 13, 2023 Imo State, Nigeria – The Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Governance has recently announced the winners of the highly anticipated Skillupimo Challenge Cohort 2 Season 2. The competition, which aims to showcase and nurture the technological prowess of Imo State’s residents, concluded with exceptional achievements and groundbreaking talent. Let’s delve into the remarkable accomplishments of the winners and the event itself. Dr. Chimezie Amadi, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and e-Governance, expressed his excitement while unveiling the winners. Damian Chidera David, a student from the Center-IMSU, claimed the prestigious first prize in the Front-End Development category. Damian’s remarkable creativity, innovation, and impressive presentation skills wowed the judges, demonstrating his ability to effectively market Imo State to the global community. Dr. Amadi wholeheartedly praised Damian’s talent and encouraged everyone to witness his masterpiece through the provided link: [Link to Damian’s creation]. Dandy Ifeanyi, hailing from the Alvan center, claimed the third prize in the Video Editing category. Dandy’s skills in video editing impressed the judges, demonstrating his keen eye for detail and ability to create visually captivating content. In a heartwarming display of inclusion, the fourth prize was awarded to Tenderly Nwakaji from the deaf community. Tenderly, who attended the Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Government center, pursued Leadership and Entrepreneurship Training, showcasing the immense potential of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The Ministry’s media team echoed the sentiments of celebration and pride in their official statement. They congratulated all the winners of Skillupimo Challenge Cohort 2 Season 2, highlighting their perseverance and dedication to achieving success through hard work. Additionally, the team expressed gratitude to every participant, acknowledging their role in making the competition a vibrant and engaging experience. The event was graced by special guests, including Prince Eze Ugochukwu, SA Public Enlightenment, and a team from Wakanow. Their presence during the award presentation further added to the significance of the occasion. The Ministry extended its sincere appreciation for their participation and support. Looking ahead, the conclusion of Cohort 2 Season 2 marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards the next Skillupimo Challenge. The Ministry eagerly anticipates the participation of Imo State’s tech enthusiasts, urging them to embark on research, unlock new skills, and embrace their limitless potential. The Skillupimo Challenge Cohort 2 Season 2 serves as a testament to Imo State’s commitment to becoming Africa’s foremost technology hub. The winners and participants have not only pushed their limits but also emerged as shining examples of what can be accomplished through dedication and hard work. As the competition draws to a close, Imo State continues to foster an environment that inspires growth and innovation. Congratulations once again to all the winners, and may they continue to shine, grow, and inspire others on their remarkable journeys.

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Uzodinma's Focused Leadership And lmo Digital Transformation

Uzodinma’s Focused Leadership And lmo Digital Transformation

Leave a Comment / Senator Hope Uzodinma /

By Chimezie Amadi. Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma,took the reins of government in the Eastern Heartland when I was still with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over three years ago When I first met him over a decade ago, his charming personality and rare leadership qualities endeared me to him. Uzodimma is a man with hallowed grace and a Midas touch. His most striking quality is his uncommon ability to think globally while acting locally, with exceptional street intelligence. Before he invited me to serve in his government, I had had the opportunity of working with him quietly at the background at strategic and operational levels. On his election as governor, in one of our discussions when he mooted the idea of running a tech-driven government and growing the Imo digital economy to diversify internal revenue generation drive, enhance job opportunities and tech diffusion in all sectors of the state’s economy. I immediately concluded that Imo is in a new deal and has gotten it right this time.This is because it takes a forward-looking leader and a revolutionary thinker to see the enormous benefits of a digital economy. Now, working close to him full time. I see a visionary and purposeful leader, generational thinker, game-changer, kind-hearted and good listener. I also discovered that he was highly underrated by people not close to him.When I took office. he demanded a policy thrust to encapsulate his digital agenda for the state and that gave rise to the development of the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA) 2022-2026.Uzodimma’s five-year agenda to digitize the state will stimulate digital revolution, trigger investments in smart infrastructure and birth a viral smart economy and a connected city state. The Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA) 2022-2026 is anchored on six strategic pillars:Digital Literacy and Skill, Solid Infrastructure, Service Infrastructure, Advocacy, Monitoring and Evaluation, Collaboration and Partnership. It involves connecting the over 600 autonomous communities in the 27 local councils of the state to the Internet. The policy was conceptualized to harness the Information and Communication technology (ICT) potential, driving new solutions to developmental challenges, which would engender growth, essentially to foster competitiveness, enhance access to information and knowledge, as well as eradicate poverty and ensure social inclusion. Having boasted that he is not in Imo to joke, the governor has taken up various ambitious projects, including roads infrastructure and healthcare. The Owerri/Okigwe road, Owerri/Orlu road which have been completed, while Owerri/Mbaise road which is nearing completion, are visible testaments to his focused leadership.In his acceptance speech after his inauguration in 2020, the governor had promised, among others, to take Health For All (HEFA)to the 27 local councils, to strengthen existing primary healthcare workforce in the state, as well as rehabilitation, renovate and equip all dilapidated community health centres in the state. These have proved not to be empty promises, as civil servants in the state now enjoy free medical services. There is limited space to enumerate Uzodimma’s transformation agenda in Imo. But one that generations yet unborn will live to remember is the SkillUplmo Project. SkillUplmo is fashioned to position Imo state as the digital Hub of Africa, to birth a big Startup economy and connects Imo tech talents to the global gig economy. It has remained the biggest human capital developmental effort embarked upon by any state Government in modern times. In the Skilluplmo programme Cohort 1, Uzodimma trained and equipped 5,000 Imo youths with Industry 4.0 tech skills and startup kits to enable them ply trade anywhere in the world while another set of 15,000 Youths are currently being trained in basic, intermediate and advanced digital skills in the ongoing SkillupImo programme cohort 2. Prof.Mohammed Ajiya, the President/Chief Executive Officer of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Abuja, an international centre for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) studies, captured the initiative in the following words: “The beauty of the digital economy is that you could be working for a company in America, Asia or Europe from the comfort of your homeSkillUpImo is one of those initiatives that target youths to prepare them for the digital economy space, which has contributed over 18 percent to the the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).” Many tech giants are already buying into the project,while academies and examination bodies are offering certifications. Small wonder the training centres have become beehives of activities, even on public holidays.Many youths from the South South and SouthWest geopolitical zones, as well as other states troop to the centres to enrol. The youths, mostly graduates of other fields, are being trained on basic digital skills like computer appreciation, phone repair,Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) installation, and car tracking. On intermediate digital skills, the youths are trained in digital marketing, graphics, video, photo editing and digital entrepreneurship. They are also trained in advanced digital skills such as cybersecurity, UI/UX, mobile app development, front-end and back-end development, blockchain technology, data analysis and project management. The initiative is part of the move to align Imo with the Federal Government’s objective of diversifying the economy as encapsulated in the National Digital Economy Policy’and Strategy(NDEPS)2020-2030.Interestingly, other ‘bigger’ states are copying the initiative, and Imo is happy to be the pioneer in the country.

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