In Umuahia, Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti formally opened the State‑level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) programme, calling technology the “indispensable modern age accelerator for development.”
During his speech, titled “Partnership and the Dreams of Tomorrow,” Otti urged stakeholders to identify ways to harness digital technology to address community challenges such as security, unemployment, post‑harvest losses of agricultural produce, urban property rentals, environmental degradation and other threats to economic and social wellbeing.
He explained that SPRIRET, set up by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO), aims to help states develop robust policy frameworks, resilient systems and critical institutions that underpin connected and accountable digital economic ecosystems.
Otti highlighted the growth of Abia’s tech ecosystem, noting that the government’s TechRise skills acquisition programme has trained more than 2,200 young people in high‑demand ICT skills. The training has opened doors to local and international job opportunities, collaborations and new ventures.
The governor thanked British Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Jonny Baxter and former High Commissioner Dr. Richard Montgomery for their interest in Abia. Baxter said the UK is pleased to partner on the initiative, describing digital technology as a key tool for improving public services, creating economic opportunities and strengthening government effectiveness. He added that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a supportive digital environment and that progress requires leadership, collaboration and active participation from the private sector, civil society, academia and the wider technology ecosystem. The UK has already supported about 450 civil servants in Abia to upgrade their digital skills and is developing community‑owned connectivity hubs to expand affordable access to digital services and improve digital literacy.
Chief Information Officer Mr. Gerald Ilukwe said the programme will assess Abia’s digital ecosystem and identify areas for improvement across government, the private sector, civil society, the technology ecosystem and digital inclusion. He noted progress in digital infrastructure, connectivity, e‑health services, digital public administration and support for technology entrepreneurs, and said the administration is pursuing a whole‑of‑government approach to ICT to promote efficiency and avoid duplication.
Ilukwe added that the FCDO’s Digital Access Programme is supporting five Nigerian states, including Abia, to undertake policy, regulatory and institutional reforms for digital development.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
