The Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon  Chinedum Orji Thursday urged graduands of ICT Empowerment program to use the knowledge they have acquired to  leverage for economic, societal and interpersonal transactions and interactions as Information and Computer Technology, ICT has drastically changed how people work, communicate, learn and live, describing it as the new ‘crude oil’. 

The Speaker made the remarks at the graduation ceremony of students of the Free ICT Empowerment Program sponsored by him in conjunction with Naprima Ideal Technologies Limited which held at Unique Life Continental Hotel and Suites, Umuahia. He congratulated the graduands for their perseverance and commitment to the program till its end.

Member representing Umuahia South State Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Jerry Uzosike who represented the Speaker at the event said that the graduands have got a highly sought-after source of income upon which they can comfortably build their lives if they properly utilise the vast knowledge they acquired at the training program.

He admonished them not to use the knowledge they got from the training for fraudulent activities


Finally, the Speaker said he would continue to partner with Naprima Ideal Technologies Limited so more lives can be positively affected. He blessed the graduands and charged them to go and excel.

Earlier in his speech, the facilitator of the program, Prince Mayor Ukaegbu said his heart was filled with joy because his handiwork and dedication have really paid off.

He extolled the Speaker for his immense support and encouragement throughout the first phase of the Free ICT Empowerment Program for Abia youths, promising that the graduands will not disappoint.

The overall best students in various departments of the Free ICT Empowerment Program were gifted brand new computers and laptops, respectively.

Reacting on behalf of the best graduating students, Mr Iroabuchi Alozie expressed gratitude to the Speaker for making himself the source through which they acquired the skills and expertise in ICT. He prayed God to continue to bless the Speaker in all his endeavours.

Highpoint of the event was the kick-off of the second phase of the Free ICT Empowerment Program targeted to train over 1500 Abia youths.

Leader of Umuahia North Legislative Council, Hon Peter Obinna Iroegbu, HRH Eze Sir Edward Ibeabuchi, Okwu 1 of Okwulaga Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Sir P.K. Ukaegbu, Enyi 1 of Enyiukwu Autonomous Community, Traditional Prime Minister of Ibeku Land, High Chief James Akwukwegbu (Bawas), former Chairman of Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, Prof Udo Ogbonna, and other dignitaries attended the event.