Imo State took a bold step into the digital future as the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, joined Governor Hope Uzodimma and thousands of young innovators to celebrate the graduation of the 3rd Cohort of the SkillUp Imo Programme — a flagship initiative that has now empowered over 50,000 youths with 21st-century digital skills.
Conceived with the active support of Dr. Uzoka-Anite, the programme has trained an additional 10,000 young people in the latest global technologies — including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, app development, data analytics, digital marketing, cloud computing, and IoT — unlocking fresh opportunities for jobs, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The event, held in Owerri and coinciding with the International Day of the Girl Child, turned into a festival of dreams and possibilities as Dr. Uzoka-Anite celebrated the success of women and girls who have embraced technology as a pathway to leadership and financial independence.
“I am proud of our young girls who have seized this chance to upskill and reskill in the digital economy,” she said. “We are expanding access, scholarships, and mentorship so that more girls can lead in STEM and shape the future of our region.”
Reaffirming her commitment to youth empowerment, the Minister declared:
“Next, we go bigger — SkillUp Imo will become the blueprint for regional transformation.”
Dr. Uzoka-Anite lauded Governor Uzodimma for his foresight and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening subnational capacity to fund and scale innovative programmes like SkillUp Imo, which align with the administration’s drive for inclusive growth and digital transformation.
In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma said:
“Today, we celebrate not just the graduates of SkillUp Imo, but the future of our state and nation. This milestone proves what we can achieve when we invest in our youth and empower them to succeed.”
With SkillUp Imo now recognized nationwide as a model for digital innovation and human capital development, Imo State is cementing its position as the South-East’s emerging tech and talent hub — lighting the path toward a smarter, more prosperous Nigeria.