Over 400 Enugu youths have successfully graduated from a transformative Ethical Artificial Intelligence Skills Training Programme, a fully funded initiative of the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Council aimed at positioning young people at the forefront of the digital economy.
The graduation ceremony marked the conclusion of an intensive ten-day capacity-building programme designed to equip Enugu youths with future-ready skills and prepare them for emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, innovation and ethical technology deployment. The initiative stands as a bold statement of the council’s commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable human capital development.
The event was graced by the presence of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who was ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia. His participation underscored the state government’s strong support for youth-focused innovation, skills acquisition and technology-driven development.
Organised by the Igbo-Eze South Local Government in collaboration with the UNESCO Country Office, Abuja, and key academic and technical partners, the programme attracted participants largely from across local government areas in the Enugu North Senatorial District, with others drawn from different parts of Enugu State and beyond.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the impressive practical demonstrations by the beneficiaries, as the Enugu youths confidently showcased innovative solutions and real-world applications of ethical artificial intelligence and intelligent systems. Their projects reflected the depth, relevance and hands-on impact of the training.
The Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government, Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, expressed profound appreciation to all partner institutions, facilitators and technical experts whose contributions ensured the programme’s success. He commended their professionalism and dedication to delivering a training that meets global standards.
Reaffirming his administration’s resolve, Barr. Ukwueze reiterated a strong commitment to youth empowerment, skills acquisition and innovation-driven development, in line with the visionary leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. He described the programme as a practical demonstration of the Governor’s “Tomorrow Is Here” agenda, which prioritises technology, innovation and the development of a future-ready workforce in Enugu State.
The Igbo-Eze South Local Government pledged to sustain and expand investments in programmes that equip Enugu youths with market-driven digital skills, create sustainable livelihood opportunities and enable them to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole.
