Beneficiaries and facilitators of the Abia Techrise programme have taken to the streets of Aba to encourage residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The awareness campaign, tagged “Abia Techrise Alumni Homecoming and Community Appreciation Walk,” was organised by participants of the digital empowerment initiative introduced by the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
Despite heavy rainfall, hundreds of beneficiaries participated in the rally, calling on eligible residents to register for their PVCs and actively participate in future elections.
Speaking to journalists during the event, the founder of LearnFactory Nigeria and coordinator of the programme, Chibueze Ukaegbu, said the initiative was designed to appreciate the state government for investing in digital skills development while encouraging civic participation.
According to Ukaegbu, about 1,500 beneficiaries joined the awareness walk across Aba.
He noted that the Abia Techrise programme has equipped participants with digital skills that have improved their employability both within Nigeria and internationally, creating new opportunities for young people in the state.
A facilitator with the programme, Alfred Nwoke, said the initiative had transformed the lives of many youths since its inception.
Having participated in the programme’s first cohort as a trainee, Nwoke said the training changed his career trajectory and expressed support for policies aimed at empowering young people through technology.
Several beneficiaries also shared their experiences during the event.
Ifeanyi Kalu, who received training in User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) Design, said the programme had opened up new career opportunities for him.
Another participant, Ozoemena Amamba, who specialised in Digital Art and 3D Animation, revealed that the skills acquired through the programme enabled him to establish and run his own animation business.
The beneficiaries encouraged other young people across Abia State to take advantage of digital skills development opportunities while also ensuring they obtain their Permanent Voter Cards to participate in the democratic process.
The Abia Techrise initiative is one of the digital empowerment programmes introduced by the Abia State Government to equip youths with technology-driven skills, improve employability, promote entrepreneurship and support the state’s growing digital economy.