By Chinedu Chukwuemelie
Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Chief Executive Officer of Solution Innovation District (SID), Ms. Chinwe Okoli, has urged young people in Anambra to acquire practical and digital skills that can improve their economic opportunities and enable them to compete globally.
Okoli gave the call on Aug. 30, at the Youth Empowerment Programme held at Christ Embassy Mega Church, Onitsha, where hundreds of young people gathered to gain knowledge and inspiration on personal and career development.
She said academic qualifications alone may not be enough in an increasingly competitive economy, urging young people to complement their education with relevant skills, discipline and good character.
“Skills are assets that can help you build, earn and compete anywhere in the world. Anambra’s greatest asset is its people,” she said.
Highlighting SID’s reported achievements, Okoli said the district had so far trained more than 264,000 people in digital skills, supported 111 startups and facilitated about ₦364 million in seed funding.
She said the figures reflected interventions implemented through SID programmes, including SID Academy, Code Anambra and the 1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe, which she said are providing opportunities for young people to develop digital and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Okoli commended Christ Embassy for supporting youth empowerment and emphasising both skills development and character formation. She called for stronger collaboration among government, faith-based organisations, businesses and communities to expand opportunities for young people.
“The government cannot do it alone. We must work together so our young people are not just inspired, but equipped,” she said.
She encouraged the participants to remain committed to learning and personal development, stressing that skills could open doors beyond Anambra, while character would be essential to sustaining success.
“Your skill can take you beyond Anambra. Your character will determine how far you go,” Okoli added.
The programme highlighted the need for sustained partnerships that equip young people with practical skills and prepare them for opportunities in the digital economy.
Chinedu Chukwuemelie is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.
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