Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma on Thursday commissioned the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, (FUTO) Engineering Studio and ICT Hub, jointly constructed by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited and their Joint Venture Partners – TotalEnergies, Agip Oil Company and the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
In his remarks ahead of the formal inauguration of the facility, Uzodimma lauded the management of Shell, NNPCL, and their partners for their thoughtfulness on the project which he said, aligns perfectly with his administration’s digital transformation agenda.
The project is a furnished 100 – seater ICT facility equipped with computers, smart boards, and two 50 – seater practice workshops to strengthen learning.
Represented by his Commissioner for Digital Economy and E – Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Uzodimma said, “this landmark project, generously sponsored by NNPC, SPDC, Total Energies, and Agio JV’s Asaa North, Ohaji South Development, represents a significant milestone, not only for Ohaji South but for the entire Imo State.”
Governor Uzodimma remarked: “This initiative aligns perfectly with the digital transformation agenda of our administration. As we continue to build a robust digital infrastructure, fostering a thriving digital economy remains at the heart of our vision for Imo State. Our focus is clear: to empower our people with the digital skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly globalized and technologically advanced world.
“We are already making great strides through our flagship SkillUpImo Programme, which has successfully trained over 25,000 of our youths in cutting-edge digital technologies and entrepreneurial skills. Through this initiative, we have seen a surge in tech-driven startups and innovation within the state, firmly positioning Imo as a leading hub for digital talent in Nigeria.
“Our Imo Digital City Project is another cornerstone of this agenda, providing world-class digital infrastructure, smart technologies, and the environment needed for businesses and startups to flourish. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to, not only attract investments, but also equip our youths with the tools they need to be part of the global digital workforce.
“The Engineering Design Studio and Innovation Hub we are commissioning today plays a critical role in this vision. It will serve as a center for innovation, creativity, and practical engineering training, producing talents that will not only transform our local economy but also contribute to the global workforce. In an era where the Fourth Industrial Revolution is reshaping the global landscape, this facility will empower our people with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead in fields such as engineering, robotics, and digital innovation.
“We deeply appreciate the efforts of our partners in NNPC, SPDC, Total Energies, and Agio JV, who have invested in the future of Imo State by supporting this critical project. Your commitment to human capacity building aligns perfectly with our goals, and together, we will continue to drive innovation, skills development, and sustainable economic growth for our people.
“As we open the doors to this hub of creativity and technology today, let us remember that the future of Imo lies in our collective ability to equip our people with the tools to succeed in the digital age. Together, we will continue to move our state forward, ensuring that no one is left behind as we march toward a brighter, digital future.”
Earlier in their speeches, the Managing Director of Shell, Dr. Osagie Okumbor and Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPCL, Bala M. Wunti (on behalf of their Joint Venture Partners), expressed joy for collaborating to improve access to quality education for every Nigerian, particularly as it concerns advancing the course of digital learning badly needed in the 21st century.
“Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) was selected to benefit from institutional strengthening in the catchment areas of SPDC’s Asda North Ohaji South Gas Development Project… The journey to establish this facility was driven by a vision to enhance critical education infrastructure, support access to high-demand IT skills and inspire growth of the IT ecosystem in Imo State and South East Nigeria,” Dr. Okumbor maintained.
Wunti said: “We will consistently champion the implementation of sustainable community development projects that will positively impact the lives of the citizens of this country.” He added, “we believe that providing access to modern technology and resources is a crucial step towards bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth.”
An elated Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof (Mrs.) Nnenna N. Oti, who remarked that the project “aligns with the critical mandate of the University,” noted that it was “so well built and equipped to international standard that I have fondly nicknamed it ‘FUTO Harvard Building’.”
Prof Oti thanked Governor Uzodimma for gracing the occasion and assured all the facilitators of the project, of the University’s preparedness to put it to optimum use in the expectation that doing so will encourage them to “gladly do more for us.”
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