Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has inaugurated the Board of the Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Centre, naming renowned technologist and scholar, Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, as Chairman.
Other members of the board include Engr. Cletus Ogbonnaya Ekpo (Vice Chairman), Engr. Peter Ukonu (Director General), Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, Mr. Chinenye Mba Uzoukwu, Mr. Fidelis Nweze, Dr. Christopher Kalu Okoro, Mr. Chukwudi Ogbonna, and Dr. (Mrs.) Rita Ndidi Amuchienwa.
The inauguration, which took place on Monday at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Umuahia, followed the weekly meeting of the State Executive Council.
Governor Otti, while addressing the newly inaugurated board, expressed gratitude to the members for accepting to serve the state, describing them as outstanding professionals and some of the brightest minds in the global technology space.
“These are the best of the best that you can find in the technology ecosystem,” the Governor said. “The Chairman of this Centre has contributed immensely to knowledge and innovation globally and continues to make us proud.
“The Director General is an inventor himself, we had to poach him from his comfort zone in the UK to come home and serve. Other members, too, are highly accomplished in their various fields. We know that if it were about remuneration, the State couldn’t afford you, but you have chosen to serve, and we are deeply grateful.”
Governor Otti described their appointment as a call to patriotic service. “This is service to the fatherland, service to your state and to Alaigbo in general. Abia is too small for our vision; we must always think of our brothers and sisters across the Southeast. That is why we did not restrict membership of this board to only Abians. We believe in skills and merit, not geographical constraints.”
He expressed confidence that the board would play a critical role in advancing the technological revolution underway in Abia State.
Responding, the Chairman, Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in them, emphasizing that technology is central to economic transformation.
“We are called to build the technology capability of this beautiful State,” Prof. Ekekwe said. “Abia is poised to rise to the mountaintop because technology enables abundance and unlocks prosperity. From Isuikwuato to every part of our State, we will work to ensure that our boys and girls, men and women, feel the tangible impact of technology-driven leadership.”
Also speaking, a member of the board, Dr. (Mrs.) Rita Ndidi Amuchienwa, commended the initiative as visionary and timely, assuring that the team would deliver on its mandate.
“This is an excellent initiative, Your Excellency,” she said. “I’ve heard so much about your leadership and the transformation happening in Abia. I’m honoured to be part of this team and will contribute my best to empower Abia youth and help achieve the goals of this great vision.”
The Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, and members of the State Executive Council were present at the inauguration.
