Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has described technology as the key to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, saying the country must embrace innovation and skills development to remain competitive in the global economy.
The governor stated this during the commissioning of a Skill Acquisition Centre in Owerri North Local Government Area, established by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in collaboration with the Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District, Ezenwa Onyewuchi.
Uzodimma said the facility would equip young Nigerians with practical, technology-driven skills needed to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, stressing that skills acquisition remains one of the most effective tools for tackling unemployment and driving sustainable economic growth.
“This is not about giving people fish; it is about teaching them how to fish,” the governor said.
He urged that graduates of the centre be supported with start-up capital after completing their training to enable them establish businesses, become self-reliant and create employment opportunities for others.
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The governor commended President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for placing technology, innovation and human capital development at the centre of national development through NASENI, noting that the agency has continued to demonstrate commitment to empowering Nigerians.
He also called on the host community and relevant authorities to safeguard the facility against vandalism, describing public infrastructure as investments that must be protected for the benefit of present and future generations.
Earlier, the Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, said the Skill Acquisition Centre was established to provide youths with practical vocational skills that would promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship and wealth creation.
According to him, the project reflects his commitment to empowering constituents with employable skills rather than creating dependence.
“Our goal is to teach our people how to fish, not just give them fish,” Onyewuchi said.
He disclosed that beneficiaries would receive support to establish small-scale businesses after completing their training, adding that the centre is equipped with modern facilities to provide quality technical and vocational education.
The lawmaker also commended President Tinubu for strengthening NASENI’s mandate to promote science, technology and engineering across the country, while appreciating Governor Uzodimma for facilitating the establishment of the centre in Imo State.
Onyewuchi expressed optimism that the facility would complement his constituency development initiatives and create sustainable economic opportunities for young people.
The commissioning ceremony attracted senior officials from the federal, state and local governments, alongside stakeholders from the business community and other sectors of the economy.
