Uzodimma: Technology key to Nigeria’s prosperity

Photo: Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma CON (centre) the wife Barr (Mrs) Chioma Uzodimma (3rd left) Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi (2nd left) Executive Vice Chairman/CEO NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu (2nd right) and others during the Commissioning of NASENI Skills Acquisition Centre, Owerri.

Governor Hope Uzodimma has said that technology is key to Nigeria’s prosperity, commending the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi for establishing a Skill Acquisition Centre in Owerri North, Imo State.

He also described the initiative as a major step towards preparing young Nigerians for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Speaking at the commissioning of the centre, built by Senator Onyewuchi in collaboration with NASENI, Uzodimma said Nigeria could no longer afford to lag behind in technological advancement, stressing that skills development remains the pathway to employment and economic prosperity.

“This is not about giving people fish; it is about teaching them how to fish,” the governor said, adding that graduates of the centre should be supported with start-up capital to establish businesses and create jobs for others.

Uzodimma lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for prioritising technology and innovation through NASENI, and explained that the agency had consistently demonstrated commitment to empowering Imo residents.

He also urged the host community and local authorities to protect the facility from vandalism, describing public assets as investments that must be preserved for the benefit of future generations.

Senator Onyewuchi had said the newly commissioned Skill Acquisition Centre in Imo State is aimed at equipping youths with practical skills to promote self-reliance and reduce unemployment.

Speaking earlier, the Senator representing Imo East senatorial District, said the Centre reflects his commitment to empowering constituents through vocational training and entrepreneurship.

“Our goal is to teach our people how to fish, not just give them fish,” he said, adding that beneficiaries would receive support to establish small businesses after completing their training.

The Senator commended President Tinubu for supporting NASENI’s mandate to deepen science, technology and engineering across the country, while thanking Governor Uzodimma for facilitating the establishment of the Centre in Imo State.

Onyewuchi said the facility, equipped with modern training tools, would complement his ongoing constituency development projects and create sustainable economic opportunities for young people.

The event was well attended by government officials drawn from both the federal, State and local government areas, as well as critical stakeholders in the business and economy.