The Abia State Government and TechEccentric have given 100 young people laptop computers as part of efforts to improve digital skills and alleviate the state’s unemployment crisis.
Like many other states in Nigeria, Abia has a serious problem with youth unemployment; according to numerous studies, the percentage of young people without jobs may reach 50%. As a result, the “Thrive Abia” project is a tech freelancing initiative that is designed to help transform that problem into an opportunity.
This digital model reflects the Igba Boi system, which has long defined entrepreneurship in the South East. These “digital apprentices” are trained by QurateHQ and then assisted in training and mentoring 100 new technology entrepreneurs annually, much like an established trader mentors and equips a young apprentice to eventually start his own business.
Speaking at the programme’s official launch on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State in Southeast Nigeria, Abia State Commissioner of Science, Technology, and Innovation David Kalu referred to the initiative as accountability-driven, firm, and inspiring, particularly with regard to laptop loan-to-own.
According to him, the event, which was organised by TechEccentric in partnership with the Abia State Ministry of Science and Technology, sets a new standard by highlighting the significance of opportunity tied to structure, discipline, and results.
He stated that Abia State has a large number of talented young people, but that many of them lack structured pathways to convert their gifts into skills and skills into income.
“Thrive Abia is designed to close that gap by providing practical, market-relevant digital skills with real support,” the ministry’s chieftain explained, adding that this cohort is the first 100 and that their performance will set the norm for future cohorts.
The standard he went on to describe will encourage a change in the beneficiaries’ mindset because the initiative is empowerment by building capability rather than empowerment by giving. This is important, he added, because success will come from consistency, discipline, and delivery rather than just motivation alone.
Kalu warned the recipients that the laptop is programme equipment provided for learning and delivery, not a free gift, and that any misuse, resale, or carelessness will have repercussions.
“If you treat it like a gift, you will waste it. If you treat it like a tool, it can change your life,” he told the receivers after presenting the devices to them.
In a similar vein, Mr. Gilbert Igwe, co-partner of TechEccentric, stated that the exercise’s goal is to teach 10, 000 young Abians – beginning with 100 – about technology and how to use it to generate income.
He says that tech is fun and that anyone who wants to be successful on the project needs to be consistent and confident; therefore, he encourages them to ask questions when needed.
According to him, tech is similar to learning other professions such as mechanics and electricians, with the exception that whereas the others require the use of a spanner and screwdriver, tech only requires the use of a computer.
He remarked that the challenges one faces can depend on perspective, as there are various ways to earn income through technology. One possibility is to seek local employment, while another is to work remotely as a freelancer, offering services to clients beyond Nigeria.
“Once you get to that place, it’s really, really fun,” he remarked, emphasising the importance of consistency, dedication, and confidence.
The tech and AI expert went on to say that how much you earn is entirely up to you and that it will not happen overnight; it will take a lot of hard effort.
“Our assurance to you is that we want to take you from where you are today, instil the skills in you and show you how to be self-employed,” claimed Mr. Igwe.
He reminded them that the programme involves more than merely generating profit. As interns, they are expected to educate others about digital awareness, inspire them to identify local issues within the public and private sectors, and utilise their newly acquired skills to seek solutions.
Giving a breakdown of the structure of the programme, Mr. Uche Onyekpe, co-partner of TechEccentric, hinted that it would require their entire participation and would take the shape of a hybrid.
The first half of the training, he elaborated, will require students to participate in hands-on activities, while the second will demand them to demonstrate what they have learned.
Mr. Onyekpe expressed his pleasure in working with the state, pointing to the governor’s dedication to the innovation ecosystem as the motivation for the partnership.
The beneficiaries commended the state government for launching the project, which they regarded as a game changer in transforming young people into valuable assets for themselves and the state as a whole.
Ifeoma Solomon, an engineering student and one of the awardees, stated that she chose to enrol in an artificial intelligence and automation course because she wants to mentor others using what she has learned.
“I hope to combine my knowledge to move Abia forward,” she said.
Each of the sponsored individuals will participate in a six-month technology and freelancing bootcamp as part of the Thrive Abia project. They will also receive a laptop, a business identity, and income prospects.
Additionally, they must be taught as peer mentors using a ready-to-use curriculum and toolbox, and they must conduct two training cycles a year with 50 mentees per cohort, with assistance from QurateHQ and the State.
By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja