By Brown Chimezie
The Convener/facilitator of Grow Orlu Project, Prince Nixon Okwara, has described the proposed technology skills transfer being pioneered by the governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as a step in the right direction.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Sun, Prince Okwara who is also a member of the defunct, All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC,PCC), also described the critics of the vision as modern day illiterates and enemies of progress.
According to him, the governor’s vision on technology transfer falls within the scope and objectives of the Grow Orlu Project on youth empowerment through technology skills training and acquisition.
He also spoke on other icritical state and national issues.
Excerpts:
How do you see the technology skill transfer of Governor Hope Uzodimma?
Well. I see it as a step in the right direction. It is an exercise that would bring about massive employment opportunities and also immensely boost the economy of Imo State in particular and South east in general. There is a saying that an idle hand is a devil’s workshop. Put in another way, Devil always finds jobs for idle hands. Today, Imo state has become like Thomas Hobbes’ concept of state, which is a place where life is brutish and short, and the main reason is because a lot of youths are idle. But with a project like this, we are going to have busy hands. A lot of youths would become fully engaged and, as such, would no longer have time for violence. In so many forums that I have been to, I have said that the surest way to end insecurity in the country is to engage the youths meaningfully. Keep the youths positively busy, find a way to make them become productive, and insecurity will come to an end.
Any similarity with what the governor is proposing to do with Grow Orlu Project?
Great minds always think alike. Governor Hope Uzodimma’s vision is very similar to that of Grow Orlu Project. Some of the goals include facilitating employment opportunities for tech-trained youths with overseas companies. This includes involving a coordinated effort between the Imo state government and various stakeholders, which, of course, is in summary what the governor intends to achieve. Let me give you a rundown of strategic plan on how the Imo state government can play a pivotal role in aiding tech-trained youths to secure employment abroad.
The first is to establish a tech-data base. This means creating a comprehensive database of tech-trained youths within Imo state and categorizing them based on their skills, experience, and areas of expertise. This database will serve as a valuable resource for matching talent with overseas openings. Forging partnerships with international tech companies, recruitment agencies, and foreign embassies. Collaborative efforts can lead to job placement opportunities for Imo Tech tech-talents abroad. Training and Certification.
This will ensure that tech-trained youths have access to internationally recognized certifications that validate their skills and qualifications, and the government on its part can subsidize or provide financial assistance for certification programmes.
Soft skills development
The Imo government can offer training in soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. These skills are vital for success in an overseas work environment. Encouragement and facilitation of language proficiency programmes, especially in English language. The reason is that proficiency in a language is often a requirement for international job placement. Others include organizing job fairs, government sponsored scholarships, setting up international job portals, setting up of career counselling centres, networking and mentorship, legal and immigration assistance, monitoring and evaluation, and public awareness campaigns.
By implementing these strategies, the Imo state government can effectively support its tech-trained youth in securing employment with overseas companies. This would not only provide employment opportunities but also contributes to the global recognition of Imo state’s tech talent pool and foster economic growth through remittances and skills transfers. The government can also establish call centres or remote workers in Imo state, which will not only create job opportunities but also position the state as a hub for technology-driven services.
It is a strategic move that can enhance economic diversification, attract investment, and contribute to the state’s long-term development.
Your thoughts on the timing of this project to coincide with the Imo governorship election next month
Those who are questioning the timing of the project are just being petty. It is just like questioning the timing of a road project? The question is that is there any time a road is constructed that it will not be useful. The technology skills transfer initiative is something that will keep Imo youths out of the street and also away from violence and crime. It is a vision that will create productive youths and improve the economy of the state for the good of all. So, the timing is not important. What is important is for the vision of the project to be achieved. So, instead of complaining about the timing, they should be commending Senator Hope Uzodinma for coming up with the project.