….“I Crown You the Digital Executive Chairman,” Says Imo Commissioner for Education to Evang.Okoroike

There was excitement and jubilation among students of the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area Free Digital Skills Acquisition Programme as the first batch of beneficiaries graduated and received internationally recognised certificates in their various areas of specialisation.

The programme, sponsored by the Executive Chairman of Isiala Mbano LGA, Hon. Evang. Chika Okoroike, culminated in a graduation and certificate presentation ceremony conducted by the Imo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. B.T.O. Ikegwuoha.

The epoch-making event, held at the Isiala Mbano LGA Council Headquarters in Umuelemai, yesterday, friday , September 18 , 2026, attracted prominent personalities from within and outside Imo State, including the Imo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. B.T.O. Ikegwuoha; the Permanent Secretary, Imo State Education Board, Dr. Mrs. Okorie Benedicta Chinonye; and other distinguished guests who joined the ceremony from Abuja.

The graduation and certificate presentation further underscored the commitment of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Evang. Chika Okoroike, to fulfilling his administration’s promises to the people of Isiala Mbano LGA, particularly in the areas of job creation, youth empowerment and digital skills development.

Speaking during the event, the Council Chairman expressed appreciation to the legislative members of the Isiala Mbano LGA Legislative Council, council workers and other critical stakeholders for their continued support and contributions towards achieving the goals and objectives of his administration.

Hon. Okoroike also commended the commitment and dedication of the students throughout the programme. He noted that the various digital and technological skills they acquired could position them to become job creators rather than job seekers.

The Council Boss urged the 250 beneficiaries of the programme not to stop learning after the completion of the training. He encouraged them to continue developing their skills, improving their knowledge and taking advantage of emerging opportunities in the digital economy, with the aim of becoming technology ambassadors for Isiala Mbano LGA.

Describing digital skills as “the next oil,” Hon. Okoroike disclosed that another phase of the programme would commence in the near future.

He also expressed appreciation to the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma, whom he described as an exceptional leader and father figure, for his support and commitment to the development and empowerment of the people of the state.

The Imo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. B.T.O. Ikegwuoha, who spoke extensively on the significance and benefits of the programme, described the initiative as a remarkable development and according to him, the first of its kind among the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State.

He described Hon. Chika Okoroike as a “Pathfinder Chairman”, commending his vision, foresight, commitment and determination to empower his people through education and digital skills.

In his words:

“I cannot thank you enough, the Executive Chairman of Isiala Mbano LGA, Hon. Evang. Chika Okoroike. You’re a Pathfinder. Today, I crown you the Digital Executive Chairman.”

He continued:

“You are the first among the 27 Local Government Executive Chairmen who has the critical thinking, the acumen, the foresight, the intellect, the commitment and the patriotism to embark on this noble idea, because education is the bedrock of all developmental strides in the world.”

The Commissioner further commended the Chairman for prioritising empowerment and human capital development, stating:

“When others were busy chasing their re-election, you are busy empowering your people because we would only be remembered by what we have done.”

He added:

“Others are pursuing re-election, but he is pursuing what will give him re-election.”

Prof. Ikegwuoha went on to describe the Council Chairman as a man who possesses the qualities and capacity required to drive meaningful development.

In his words:

“He has the swagger, he has the sagacity, he has the capacity; he has the capability.”

The Commissioner concluded by declaring:

“If I have the pen to reappoint any of the Executive Chairmen in Imo State, I will append my signature for him.”

While presenting the certificates to the graduands, the Commissioner admonished them to make meaningful and productive use of the knowledge and skills they acquired during the programme. He emphasised that the certificates presented to them were internationally recognised and urged them to continue building on the foundation they had received.

The resource person for the programme, Dr. Childera Uzoigwe, a Cybersecurity, Data and Artificial Intelligence expert from the University of Texas, while addressing the graduands encouraged the students to embrace continuous learning, stressing that technology evolves rapidly and that they must consistently update their knowledge and skills to remain relevant in the ever-changing digital world.

He also expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Evang. Chika Okoroike, for his significant investment in the programme and his commitment to equipping young people with relevant digital skills.

Highlights of the graduation ceremony included welcome songs performed by the graduating students, project presentations by selected beneficiaries, the presentation of certificates to the graduands, goodwill messages and other activities that added colour to the epoch-making occasion.

The successful graduation of the first batch of beneficiaries marks another significant milestone in the administration of Hon. Evang. Chika Okoroike and reinforces the importance of investing in digital education, youth empowerment and human capital development in Isiala Mbano LGA in line with his mantra of God and humanity first .

Also present during the event includes: the Executive vice Chairman, Hon.Mrs Laz Onyema, the leader of the council, Hon. Okechukwu Mgbeosuru, the Secretary of the LGA, Hon.Barr. Chinedu Iwuagwu, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Golden Uzowuru, the supervisory Councillor for education, Hon.Ejike Nwosu.The DAGs , Deaconess Priscilla egbunine  , Ward councillors, Traditional Rulers, Council workers and other stakeholders.

Prince UdoGod Agbugba

SSA (Media and Publicity) to the Executive Chairman of Isiala Mbano LGA.

Sept.19, 2026.