Governor Hope Uzodinma announced the achievement during the 3rd Cohort Graduation Ceremony in Owerri, where 10,000 participants completed intensive training in digital and technical skills, including app development, data analytics, blockchain, artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, digital marketing, cloud computing, IoT, gamification, and computer and phone repairs.
The SkillUp Imo Project, anchored on the first pillar of the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (iDEA 2022–2026), aims to make technology the driving force of economic prosperity in the state.
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, who attended the event, commended Governor Uzodinma for his leadership. “I am dazed. I am impressed. I am happy. You have renewed the hope of young people — no wonder your name is Hope,” he said.
Governor Uzodinma described the initiative as the fulfillment of his vision to position Imo State at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital transformation. He said the programme had trained 50,000 young people, strengthening their capacity to thrive in the global digital economy.
The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for implementing fiscal reforms that improved revenue allocations to subnational governments, enabling states to pursue development programmes more effectively.
“We are building an Imo where broadband will be like road networks — everywhere,” Uzodinma declared, highlighting the administration’s commitment to infrastructure that supports a digital future.
The event also featured the unveiling of ImoApp, a homegrown innovation developed by young Imolites, and the announcement of plans for Nigeria’s first AI-powered Digital City — a project aimed at consolidating Imo’s growing technological capacity.
