Owerri: The immediate past Imo chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Macdonald Ebere, has commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he described as Imo State’s steady rise as Nigeria’s tech capital. Ebere made the commendation following the final showcase of an eight-month programme that trained young founders to build strong tech businesses, held as part of the New Tech Startups Event in Owerri earlier in the week.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ebere, who is also the Board Chairman of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology in Lagos State, spoke in an interview in Abuja. He indicated that significant moments confirm that a vision has moved from concept to implementation. The hosting of the New Tech Startups Event in Owerri was seen as evidence of the digital foundation laid by Governor Uzodimma, now yielding results globally.
Ebere highlighted that the governor remained committed to his ‘Shared Prosperity’ vision, transforming Imo into an innovation capital. He noted th
at the achievements were the outcome of intentional and carefully planned investments. The Skill-Up Imo Project, started in 2022, has become Nigeria’s largest sub-national tech talent factory, training over 60,000 young individuals in various digital skills.
The project aimed to redirect youths from negative paths toward legitimate digital careers. Ebere emphasized that Uzodimma progressed beyond training by facilitating job connections through a partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, and the US Market Access Center. This collaboration launched ImoTalentHub.com, creating direct remote work opportunities.
Ebere also highlighted the state’s institutional framework, citing Imo’s establishment of a Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government. Developments at Imo Digital City, including an AI Institute and innovation hubs, represent a shift towards an economy driven by ideas and technology. The Imo model is garnering global attention, with initiatives like the MyImo App linking local talents t
o international employers and creating jobs and revenue for the state.
Ebere congratulated Governor Uzodimma on this significant achievement and encouraged young people to seize the opportunity, noting that the door has been opened for them to step through.