Skillup Imo

By: Prince Eze Ugochukwu As usual, there has been some noise from the un-informed about the statement by the Imo State Governor to export graduates of his digital skills training program abroad. Unfortunately, most of the commentators are ignorant of the upsides of that intention and plan by Governor Hope Uzodimma. Skills export is nothing new. The policy of Governor Hope Uzodimma is to train 300,000 Imo youths in digital skills by year 2026. So far, 20,000 of such youths has been trained with another 40,000 about to begin their training. People can make use of their skills in another country thereby acquiring valuable work experience and then return home in CIRCULAR MIGRATION. For Imo State, this will be a win-win situation. It will benefit the worker making use of it’s mobility, and it will benefit the home state as upon return, the worker has improved skills and valuable experience from work abroad. One aspect of this CIRCULAR MIGRATION pattern is also remittances, where persons working abroad sends money back to his home state when working abroad. So when Governor Uzodimma talks about strategically sponsoring skilled persons to work abroad, he is invariably talking about another way to boost foreign remittances to Imo State, and also create job opportunities for those willing to work abroad. Again some commentators have talked about the number of persons. (4,000 persons). The fact is that many people cannot see the big picture and that is so sad. Be that as it may, there is nothing wrong in having big plans, after all as the saying goes, “who dares wins”. therefore, anyone who has the courage to do something receives benefit. You might even go so far as to say that courage is its own reward. Daring to try something new or difficult can be intimidating.It takes courage to push through the uncertainty and difficulties, but daring to try is the only path to triumph. Now, even if Governor Uzodimma did not deliver on the actual numbers and did not meet the deadline, it does not defeat the objective of exposing digitally skilled Imo youths to good job opportunities abroad. In today’s virtual world of zooms and teleconferencing, some can stay back in Imo and deliver jobs abroad and still earn income in foreign currency. Come to think of it, companies within the European Union are estimated to be around 23.2 million. There is a European Union work visa that permits a non-EU national to work in an EU country. The Work Visa is usually valid for one year but can be extended and to be eligible for an EU work visa, you must have a job offer from a company based in an EU member state. So where have Uzodimma gone wrong if he tries to tap into this. But let us take a look at the Philippine and India and South Korea. The Philippine is the top one country of labour exporting. About 10% of national population working overseas earn more than $12.8 billion U.S. dollars yearly which support and promote the development of the domestic economy effectively. This shows that labour export is a pillar of development. India is another country that exports skilled citizens on the lines of manpower -support pacts with other countries. Workers will go to these countries not as permanent immigrants but as employees in sectors where there is high demand of such skills. Take a look at  South Korea one of the Asian Tigers, by sending workers abroad,the Korea Overseas Development Corporation, brought in Foreign Exchange Remittances and Needed Advanced Technologies, Key for Economic Development,which laid the Foundation for the Korean Government to articulately draw up and implement it’s long Term National Economic Development Plan. Politicians Think of the Next Election. Statesmen like the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, think of the GENERATION NEXT. Therefore, Governor Uzodimma linking the Imo State skilled labour market with those of other countries provides an immense opportunity. Governor Hope Uzodimma thinks big whether we like it or not, but thats the truth. Who can visualize the linking of Owerri to Orlu, to Okigwe and to Umuahia with solid roads? Within four years, three new state of the art general hospitals were built and commissioned. A new international conference centre ongoing, The opening up and dredging of the Orashi River into the Atlantic Ocean, which geographical surveys has been completed and approvals secured from the Federal government. Today the poor and vulnerable persons, including workers are getting free medical treatment under the basic healthcare program. This same Uzodimma has secured approval for an oil and gas free trade zone for Imo State. Secured funding from the African Development Bank for a Special Agro-Industrial Processing zone for Imo State. He is currently installing night landing facilities at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport. Let’s take a look at another country. Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations amongst skilled workers. Here there is a huge demand in different provinces for skilled workers from abroad especially in information technology. This is a market that can be tapped into. Let us rather support the Governor and contribute in any little ways we can. Vilifications make no sense whatsoever.

“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 home. Skilluplmo is one of those initiatives that target youths to prepare them for the digital economy space, which has contributed to over 18 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP)”. The above is how Prof. Mohammed Ajiya, the President/Chief Executive Officer of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Abuja, an international centre for Information and Communications Technology(ICT) studies, described what is presently cooking in Imo, in a chat with The Guardian. DBI is the training arm of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). India, today, exports tech talents to many advanced countries, including the United States (U.S.). The Asian country did not just happen in the silicon valley; it took some ambitious effort. Imo is treading that path that India trod years back.The vehicle is Skilluplmo, the governor’s initiativethrough the Ministry ofDigital Economy and E-Government Government he created last year. A chat with thecommissioner in charge of the ministry, Dr.Chimezie Amadi, revealed a tall ambition, which seemsunrealistic in thisenvironment. But a little research across the state and beyond pans the search light to the prospects of this initiative, as techpreneurs and experts affirm itspotential to take the state into the silicon valley by nurturing tech talents the state can export to Japan, U.S.and other countries of the world. Already, Imo citizens at home and in the diaspora have started buying into the project.Cash and high-end computers have beendonated, and employment opportunities promised.Those that have bought into the initiative include the Chairman of ZinoxGroup,Leo Stan Ekeh, and Chairman of Turkey based Inno & Bisco Oil and Gas Limited,Innocent Unoha.Astute businessmen like Ekeh dread volatileenvironments. Though Imo plays in the league of states plagued by insecurity, the Zinox boss still bought into the project.On why he took such a risk, Ekeh told The Guardian that Imo needs employment and that theproject would make lmoyouths, even graduates,employable. “I will aways support in anyway i can, any initiative that will make lmo great, no matter the government in power,” he added. The fever of this project seems to be catching almost every segment of the Eastern Heartland and beyond, even the academia. The Director, University Computer Centre, Federal University ofTechnology, Owerri(FUTO), Prof.Damian Dike, described it as a rich and interesting project.“Skilluplmo is a very rich and interesting programme that has great potential of technologicallyrevolutionalising our state.It will build up self-employable skills of our youths to reduce their involvement in juvenile crimes and make the state the technology hub of Nigeria, if well-funded as contained in the original plan. “It is in view of the afore mentioned noble goals that the innovative Vice Chancellor of FUTO,Prof. (Mrs.)Nnenna Oti, approved the partnership of FUTO with Imo government in this programme, so that over 800 FUTO students and indigenes of our host communities can join without much distance- associated costs,” he told The Guardian. Chidi Duru, an Owerri-based techpreneur,said the programme, underwhich 5,000 lmo youths areundergoing training, has been very impactful.The youths, according to him, are being trained on basic digital skills like computer appreciation, phone repair, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)installation and cartracking.On intermediate digitalskills, the youths are trained in digital marketing, graphics, video and photoediting. They are also trained in advanced digital skills such as cybersecurity, UI/UX, mobile app development, front-end development, back-end development, blockchain technology, data analysis and projectmanagement. The commissloner, who was an assistant Director at NCC, said 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 Strat-egy (NDEPS) 2020-2030. He added:”Realising that digital technology drives innovation and creates job opportunities, leading to economic prosperity, there is need to create a Ministry that will focus on the development of lmo digital economy and create policies and programmes that will position the stateas a key player in the expanding global digital economy valued at $11.5trillion, which havewitnessed two-fold growth in 15 years and projected to account for a quarter of the global economy in the next 10years , according to the 2016 Report by Oxford Economy. “Imo government also realised the need toharness ICT potential to provide new solutions to developmental challenges, foster economic growth ,access information and knowledge, eradicate poverty and socialinclusion in the state.”Commending the lmo Governor for creating the first Ministry of Digital Economy in any Nigerian State, Prof.Ajiya hopes that other states will copy Imo and harness the potential in the digital economy space.According to him,the Digital Economycontributes more than crude oil to the GDP, as it creates unicorns.His words:”So,the future is Digital Economy. This is where the world is going.In Nigeria ,we should not be left behind.“You may have known unicorns, those companies valued at over S1 billion without being listed on the stock market. We have about eight in Africa and five or six of them are from Nigeria.So, Uzodimma istargeting Imo youths to become future billionaires.This means the future is being brought closer in Imo.”For him, Skilluplmo is an excellent initiative, which will see lmo indigenes.becoming masters of the fourth industrialrevolution.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the ability to navigate and utilize technology is essential. Recognizing the importance of digital skills, last year the Imo state government embarked on the journey to empower 300 thousand Imolites with 21st century digital skills. Governor Hope Uzordinma through this amazing project which was flagged off in December 2022 and currently almost rounding off with it’s second Cohort have equipped over 20 thousand Imolites with in-demand 21 century digital skills. As our part of our tradition which we started in the first cohort, we recently organized the skillupimo challenge cohort 2 season 1, aimed at providing students the platform to express themselves and showcase what they have learnt thus far in the Skillupimo training program. After countless hours of learning and days of intense competition, the Honourable Commissioner for Imo State ministry of digital economy and e-Government Dr. Chimezie Amadi was joined by other members of staff of the ministry and skillupimo team to celebrate the winners who have emerged victorious in this thrilling contest.Anyanwuocha chidi Martins a student of “Introduction To Programming in Federal Polythecnic, Nekede learning centre emerged as the First place winnerUgochi Alfred a student of digital marketing in UAES (University of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Umuagwo) learning centre emerged as the second place winnerCherechukwu Udenkwere a student of video editing in IMSU learning centre of the skillupimo training program emerged as the third place winnerWhile we celebrate the top three winners who where all given cash awards and other gifts, it is important to acknowledge the dedication and perseverance of all the participants. Several individuals showcased exceptional talent and growth during the skillupimo challenge cohort 2 season 1 and their contributions did not go unnoticed. Dr. Chimezie Amadi encouraged other students who did not participate in this edition of the challenge to prepare themselves for the next edition, the commissioner spcially thanked his excellency the executive governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzordinma for providing these opportunities and resources that is empowering and equipping Imo youths with industry 4.0 tech skills.One of the highlight of the event today was the presence and goodwill message from the MD/ CEO of Luli Fibre Solutions Ltd, an Owerri based infrastructural company who promised job opportunities to students who excel in their various training program. The Honorable Commussioner for Digital Economy and e-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi in his closing remarked noted that the skillupimo challenge cohort 2 season 1 has been an incredible journey filled with enthusiasm, learning, and growth. Amadi in congratulating the top three winners urged the winners and participants to continue to dedicated their time and effort towards enhancing their digital skills. In his words, “Your determination and passion for self-improvement inspire us all”

Watching my 5-year-old nephew as he nervously but excitedly untied the blue-ribbon wraps on his birthday gift, wide eyed and with the broadest smile I had ever seen on his face, left me overjoyed. The look on that face was everything! There is truly a joy that proceeds from expectancy. A palpable joy especially when one has benefited from the Skillupimo project-an initiative of the Hope Uzodinma led administration in Imo state designed to train and equip Imolites with relevant Industry 4.0 digital skills set to position them as leading key players in the evolving global digital economy. In little less than 7 months, the project has trained and equipped 5,000 Imolites in its first cohort and an additional 15,000 in its second cohort which is about rounding off. Yet, it is thought-provoking that the skillupimo project came first to lay a foundation for other surprises in store for Imo Youths. And because we still want to maintain that surprise element till its formal launch, I’m just going to partially unveil……. So, after skillupimo, what next? Well, here goes……………. “The next big project to be unveiled after skillupimo by Imdeeg is called TECH TALENT TO JOBS (TT2J) project”. A technology driven training programme, Tech Skills to Jobs is targeted at equipping Imolites with specialized knowledge and expertise required to perform specific tasks. A precursor to the massive job creations soon to hit our state, it serves as that much needed open door to limitless opportunities to high paying local and international jobs.Well, it is no longer news that SkillupImo graduates are in high demand by Tech firms and the government, hence this much needed high-profile connection. I said all these to say that, despite skillupimo being the prime and notable project that placed Imo as the leading digital skills acquisition state in Nigeria with several awards recognitions, Tech Talent To Jobs (TT2J) initiative guarantees to surpass it. Unravelling all the surprises accompanying this new reveal, I’m certain will leave a whole lot of you wide eyed and chessin’ from cheek to cheek’ just like my cute nephew. So, at this point, let me put a gag on it.Afterall, like the saying goes, moments of happiness come with the unexpected.

As a concrete demonstration of its pioneer status of being the first State in Nigeria to align its digital economy policy direction with that of the Federal government’s, Imo State has introduced a weekly youth competition to ignite and unlock students’ digital literacy ingenuity and innovation. The competition tagged: ‘SkillUpImo Challenge’, is a sub-initiative of SkillUp Imo Project, a broader and premier human capacity development programme launched by the State Government in December, 2022. As a propeller and offshoot of the SkillUpImo Project, the SkillUpImo Challenge will help to fire up digital innovation and ideas among students in the state with cash prizes handed to a winner each week. The SkillUpImo Challenge is expected to drive the overall objective of the SkillUp Imo Project, focused on empowering citizens of Imo State otherwise called Imolites with cutting-edge digital skills that will keep them relevant in the 21st century; among others. At the maiden edition of the SkillupImo Challenge held at the Head Office at No 28 Egbu Road Owerri, a student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) Centre, ChucksOfficial was adjudged winner in digital skill innovation, in the first week, based on shared experiences, ingenuity and digital innovation exhibited. While presenting the cash prize to the winner, the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government in Imo State, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, said the Skillup Imo Challenge will accelerate the actualization of broader objectives of the Skillup Imo. The Honourable Commissioner in his address noted that the broader objectives, are to train 300,000 Imolites over the next three years, with 100,000 trained each year; connect 60% of the graduands to high-paying jobs as well as empowering 40% of the graduands to be their own bosses, becoming tech entrepreneurs and launching their own companies, among others. He added that the training of the first batch of 100,000 youths progresses in 2023 under the Skillup Imo Project, which aims to train 300,000 over the next three years, the sub-initiative, SkillUp Imo Challenge has been created to sustain the interest of the youth and boost excitement in the digital skill acquisition programme. Dr. Chimezie Amadi, a firm believer of innovation and creativity, disclosed through the SKillUpImo Challenge, that a student stands the chance of winning cash or other form of prizes each week for demonstrating great commitment to learning and putting good efforts to show workings of skills learnt. Futhermore, the Digital Boss stated that the first batch of 5,000 students from the 100,000 that will be trained this year, will be graduating by the end of January 2003, to immediately bring onboard the next batch of beneficiaries of the digital skills acquisition programme for training. While commending the students on their seriousness and diligence exhibited so far, the Commissioner encouraged the youths to do more and be more.In his words “Be more of a doing person than a talking person. The SkillUpImo Project is all about creating content that can be marketed using digital tools that the public is able to embrace, consume and pay for”. Dr Chimezie Amadi assured that with the ongoing implementation of the Project, the Senator Hope Uzodinma-led administration would soon realise its vision of making Imo State the Digital Skills Hub of Africa, as he is prepared to provide necessary support and tools to accomplishing the lofty digital economy objective of the Project. In receiving the cash price on behalf of the winner, Mr Excel thanked the Honourable Commissioner for the government’s ingenuity and interest in seeing to the empowerment of Imolites with fore front digital skills that will keep them relevant and endorse them as the preferred world over. The SkillUpImo Project combines hard technical skills with soft employability skills, SkillupImo project is aimed at grooming well-rounded professionals who can ply their trade at any level in the local and global digital economy. It covers entry and advanced-level digital skills such as computer appreciation, device repairs and maintenance, content creation, web design and development, Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data Analytics, Cybersecurity et cetera.