The Abia government has restated its commitment toward empowering the people to attain their full potential for enhanced productivity.

The deputy governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, made the remark on Thursday during a human capital development (HCD) workshop, organised by the state government in Umuahia.

Mr Emetu, who is also the chairman of the Abia HCD Council, said that Abia, as part of the 13 states benefiting from the federal government-supported HCD programme, would not relent in driving the initiative.

He said that Abia HCD programme focuses on providing citizens with the necessary skills and opportunities to succeed in a competitive world.

“The state government  inaugurated the Abia State HCD Council to provide strategic direction and leadership for the State HCD strategy blueprint.

“It is based on main pillars of development, including quality education, vocational training, economic empowerment, and labour force participation, in line with the UN SDGs 2030.

“This workshop is being organised to unite stakeholders from education, entrepreneurship and health to cooperate on solutions tailored to the specific needs of Abia’s workforce and youth.

“The programme aims to align the workforce’s capabilities with modern economic demands, ensuring that all Abia people are equipped to excel, innovate, and contribute positively to society,” Mr Emetu said.

He also said that the state’s HCD initiative would play a vital role in accelerating poverty alleviation, women and youths empowerment, quality education, standard healthcare services, hands-on skills training and employment opportunities.

In an address, the chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Dr Eno Jerry-Eze, described human capital development as a pathway to  sustainable growth and building a thriving society.

Jerry-Eze, who is the state focal person for HCD, said that the government had made significant strides in advancing good governance and creating frameworks that prioritise the well-being and growth of Abia people.

She affirmed the government’s commitment to invest in ”our most valuable resource – the people of Abia” because of their pivotal role in development.

She said: “By empowering individuals with skills, knowledge, and opportunities, we can unlock new levels of productivity, innovation, and quality of life.

“This workshop brings together key stakeholders both from the public sector and vibrant network of NGOs and CSOs that work tirelessly within our communities to strengthen our approach to HCD.”

She further said that Abia had made progress in its HCD efforts through the inauguration of the Abia HCD Council and approval of a comprehensive HCD 1.0 Work Plan.

She called for collaborative efforts from stakeholders to ensure that the vision to boost HCD reached every community, household and individual in the state.

According to her, by collaborating across sectors, aligning our strategies, and fostering innovation, we can build a more inclusive and resilient HCD model for Abia.

She encouraged the participants to engage fully, share insights, and work together in setting a course that would transform the state.

Also in a remark, the chairman, Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Lydia Onuoha, said that the HCD initiative would help improve productivity, economic growth and crisis-preparedness in the state.

Ms Onuoha said, “We need to take rapid action to ensure that our future is secure by investing in health and education because the world is driven by technology and innovation.”

She said that the board keyed into the school-to-work programme of the federal government aimed at ensuring that the Nigerian child graduates from school with relevant knowledge and skills to boost productivity.

She also said that a school-to-work unit had been set up in ASUBEB to evolve programmes that would further drive the HCD process in the state.

The chairman of the State Disability Commission, David Anyaele, commended the government for promoting disability inclusion in the state.

Mr Anyaele, represented by a member of the commission, Stanley Onyebuchi, said that engaging the disability community in HCD programmes had given their constituents a sense of belonging.

Speaking to journalists, participant, Esther Okwulehie, described the programme as a welcome development.

“This workshop will be beneficial to the people of Abia and I think it will be good to make it regular,” Ms Okwulehie said.

 (NAN)