The Deputy Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly and member representing Okrika State Constituency, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, has empowered 60 Okrika youths with digital skills, HP laptops and MTN broadband devices as part of her Digital Skill Empowerment Initiative 2026.
The beneficiaries received the equipment and certificates on September 10, 2026, at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters, following the completion of a digital skills training programme conducted in two phases.
Each beneficiary was presented with an HP laptop, an MTN broadband device with a one-month data subscription and a certificate issued by the training institution.
The initiative was designed to equip young people with practical technological skills while providing them with the tools needed to practise, continue learning and explore opportunities in the digital economy.
Speaking during the programme, Somiari-Stewart urged the beneficiaries to complement their technical knowledge with soft skills, including effective communication, teamwork, discipline, integrity and emotional intelligence.
She encouraged them to collaborate, build meaningful networks, share knowledge and support one another rather than view each other as competitors.
The lawmaker also announced plans to establish an Okrika Tech Hub to provide a permanent platform for young people to continue learning, collaborate on projects, receive mentorship, showcase their skills and explore opportunities in the technology sector.
She said the objective was to create a sustainable system where beneficiaries could eventually become trainers, innovators, entrepreneurs and employers of labour.
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to Somiari-Stewart for combining skills training with the provision of laptops and internet connectivity, saying the initiative would provide opportunities in digital entrepreneurship, remote employment and online services.
They also pledged to put the skills and equipment to productive use and share their knowledge with other young people in their communities.
The initiative is part of Somiari-Stewart’s broader constituency interventions focused on youth development, skills acquisition, education and economic empowerment in Okrika.
