By Asuquo Edem

The government of Akwa Ibom State has reiterated its commitment to train and empower youths and its citizens to acquire relevant information and communication technology skills so as to be relevant in the fast developing world. This was made known by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Samuel Effanga at the graduation ceremony of the Godswill Akpabio ICT training centre at the Ministry of Science and Technology grounds yesterday. According to Mr. Effanga the programme was designed by government for the development of manpower for intellectual capacity development. He reasoned that, since “the world today is ICT driven and is one of the very instrument of knowledge which cuts across all areas of human endeavour”
Therefore the policy of this administration is directly towards developing intellectual capacity of Akwa Ibom citizens, through a programme designed to impact on the technological revolution of the state by developing a pool of ICT literate manpower with requisite skill needed in the digital system and business environment” Mr. Effanga urged the participants of the programme to use the knowledge acquired for the betterment of themselves and those around them. In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs represented by the Director of Administration, “information and Communication technology said it is now very important since the world is now a global village, and acquiring of such knowledge would lead to a more viable economy”. He charged the participants to use the basic skills acquired in the program and not fail to affect others with the knowledge.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science, Mrs. Ekaette Udoh commended Chief Godswill Akpabio for making the programme possible and advised the participants not to put away their talents but to continue making use of it.
The best graduating students per programme include Akpan, Idara Otobong ICT Application, Mbaba, Eme Mfon- Computer Graphics/Animation, Charlie, Aniebiet Edet, Computer Engineering, Etuk, Sifon Okon VSAT/Networking Technology, John, Hawb Bassey Web Design/E-Commerce, Edet, Uwem Wisdom Telecommunication Technology.