Okrika youths hail Rivers Assembly leader for technology training investment

Fifty youths from Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the Deputy Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, for sponsoring their three-month technology skills training at Harvoxx Tech Hub.

The beneficiaries described the initiative as a major investment in the future of young people in Okrika, saying the programme has equipped them with practical digital skills and renewed confidence to pursue careers and business opportunities in the technology-driven economy.

Somiari-Stewart, who represents Okrika Constituency in the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, sponsored the youths’ participation in the training as part of efforts to promote human capital development and youth empowerment in the constituency.

During the three-month programme, the beneficiaries were exposed to various areas of technology, including cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing, product design and AI automation, among others.

The youths said the training went beyond classroom learning, giving them practical exposure and knowledge they could apply in building careers, developing businesses and accessing emerging opportunities in the digital economy.

According to them, the intervention demonstrated the importance of investing directly in people, particularly young people who require relevant skills to compete in an increasingly technology-driven world.

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to Somiari-Stewart for prioritising human capital development and creating an opportunity for young people in the community to acquire skills that could improve their economic prospects.

“Amaopuerembo, our mother, we recognise and appreciate your decision to invest in people, skills and possibilities. Your support has opened a door of opportunity for 50 young people, and we do not take this gesture for granted,” they said.

The beneficiaries noted that empowering young people with relevant digital skills could contribute to reducing unemployment, promoting self-reliance and strengthening the economic development of Okrika and Rivers State.

They also pledged to put the knowledge acquired during the programme into practice by building sustainable careers, improving their livelihoods and contributing positively to their families and communities.

The youths urged other political leaders, organisations and stakeholders to support similar initiatives focused on technology, education, entrepreneurship and human capital development.

They said sustained investment in young people would not only benefit individual beneficiaries but also create a more skilled and economically productive generation capable of contributing to the development of the state.

The beneficiaries further called on residents of Okrika and Rivers State to recognise and support initiatives that create opportunities for young people rather than simply providing short-term assistance.

For the 50 beneficiaries, the message to the lawmaker was simple and unanimous:

“THANK YOU, MA, FOR INVESTING IN US!”