From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
In a bold stride towards transforming Anambra into Africa’s Silicon Valley and a Smart Mega City, the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has launched the One Million Anambra Digital Tribe (1MADT) initiative empowering one million people through the Solution Innovation District (SID)
The ground-breaking programme aims to democratise access to digital education by providing free, high-quality digital skills training to over one million Ndi Anambra, both residents and indigenes.
At the heart of the initiative is the SID Academy, a robust Learning Management System (LMS) accessible via www.sidacademy.ng, where participants can learn anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace.
Ms. Chinwe Okoli, special adviser to the governor on innovation and business incubation, explained that the programme was designed to be inclusive and transformative, offering 32 beginner to advanced courses in high-demand digital fields, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, SEO optimisation, web design, data analysis, graphic design, digital marketing and more, with flexible training durations ranging from four to 12 weeks.
She stated that no prior experience or qualifications are required, thus making it accessible to everyone from students and job seekers to professionals and entrepreneurs.
Ms Okoli stated that the benefits of the initiative extend far beyond individual learners by equipping Anambra’s workforce with future-ready skills, adding that 1MADT will drive job creation, inspire innovation, fuel entrepreneurship, enhance SME productivity and position the state as a magnet for global technology investments.
She added: “The initiative supports Governor Soludo’s broader vision of economic transformation through digital empowerment and innovation-driven development.
“In line with this vision, SID is also deploying SID Mini Hubs/partner centres, which are tech-enabled learning centres strategically located in schools and communities across the state.
“These hubs are fitted with computers, internet access, projectors and teleconferencing tools to ensure equitable access to digital resources, especially in underserved areas and interested candidates should visit www.sidacademy.ng to register.”
She recalled that the governor had promised to up-skill 10,000 persons annually but has already surpassed the number. “With a new target of one million, the goal is to eradicate digital illiteracy and unlock the potential of our people to compete favourably with technology.”
She confirmed that the governor is developing 13.7 hectares as Silicon Valley and investing in the skill sets required to compete globally, urging Anambra people to embrace the initiative for their self empowerment “This programme is for all Ndi Anambra. It is totally free to beneficiaries. There are even additional incentives, such as laptops and smartphones to celebrate excellence.
“To scale and sustain the impact of 1MADT, the Anambra State Government invites corporate organisations, development partners, ICT hubs, educational institutions, philanthropists and stakeholders to partner in this transformative project to expand the reach of digital education and accelerate Anambra’s emergence as Africa’s digital powerhouse,” she suggested.