Governor Alex Otti has inaugurated the Board of the Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Centre, appointing renowned technologist Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe as chairman. The ceremony, held in the Executive Council Chamber after the state’s weekly council meeting, marks another step in the governor’s drive to position Abia as a hub for innovation and skills development.
The newly inaugurated board includes accomplished professionals such as Cletus Ogbonnaya Ekpo, who will serve as vice chairman; Peter Ukonu as director general; and Gerald Ilukwe, Chinenye Mba Uzoukwu, Fidelis Nweze, Christopher Kalu Okoro, Chukwudi Ogbonna, and Rita Ndidi Amuchienwa as members.
Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the board members for accepting to serve, describing them as some of the finest minds in the global technology space. He praised Professor Ekekwe for his outstanding contributions to innovation and knowledge, noting that the board’s composition reflects the state’s commitment to merit and excellence rather than geographical boundaries.
“These are the best of the best you can find in the technology ecosystem. Our chairman has brought pride to our people through his groundbreaking work abroad. The director general is an inventor we persuaded to leave his comfort zone in the UK to help build this dream at home. This is a service to fatherland, to our people, and to the future,” the governor said.
Otti urged the board to think beyond Abia, stressing that the centre’s impact should resonate across the South East and the entire nation. “Abia is creating an environment where every skilled person, regardless of origin, can thrive and contribute to the growth of our region,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the board, Professor Ekekwe commended the governor for his foresight and pledged that the team would work tirelessly to make the state a model for technological advancement in Nigeria. “Technology is the key that unlocks prosperity. With this vision, Abia is ready to rise to new heights. We will use our expertise to ensure that young people across the state feel the real impact of this initiative,” he said.
Another board member, Mrs. Rita Ndidi Amuchienwa, described the project as a transformative step for Abia youth, assuring the governor of the team’s full commitment. “This is an inspiring initiative. I’m proud to be part of a team that will help young Abians discover their potential and build better futures,” she stated.
Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu and members of the State Executive Council were also in attendance during the inauguration ceremony.
