Young people across Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas of Benue State are set to benefit from a free six-week Artificial Intelligence (AI) Readiness Bootcamp launched by Apochi Owoicho through his Education for Change initiative.
The programme, being implemented in partnership with GenieHive Education Foundation (Canada) and EdPro UK, is designed to equip young people with practical skills needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven economy.
The initiative comes as artificial intelligence continues to reshape workplaces, education, entrepreneurship and everyday problem-solving, creating new opportunities for individuals with the skills to understand and apply emerging technologies.
Owoicho said young people in Apa–Agatu should not be left behind as the global economy undergoes rapid technological transformation.
“AI is no longer a technology of the distant future. It is already changing how the world works. We must ensure that our young people in Apa–Agatu are prepared—not just to use these technologies, but to apply them creatively to solve problems and create opportunities.”
According to the organisers, the six-week bootcamp will provide participants with an introduction to the fundamentals of AI and its relevance to the modern workplace. Participants will also explore practical applications of AI, develop solutions to real-world problems and undertake a capstone project.
Successful participants will receive certificates upon completion of the programme.
The bootcamp is open to young people aged 18 to 35 who are residents or indigenes of Apa or Agatu Local Government Areas and have access to a mobile phone and internet connection.
Registration opened on September 2, 2026, and will close on September 10, 2026, or once 100 screened registrations have been received.
Eligible applicants can register through bit.ly/AIAgatu.
Owoicho described the programme as part of a broader effort to invest in human capital and create opportunities for young people beyond the traditional limitations imposed by geography.
“Development is ultimately about people. Roads, infrastructure and institutions matter, but we cannot build a prosperous society without equipping our young people with the skills to compete and create in the world we live in today,” he said.
He further expressed optimism about the future of the constituency, stressing that deliberate investment in young people would be critical to achieving sustainable development.
“A prosperous Apa–Agatu is possible in our lifetime. Building that future requires deliberate investment in our people, especially our young people. This AI bootcamp is one step in that direction.”
The organisers have therefore urged eligible young people across Apa and Agatu to take advantage of the opportunity and complete their registration before the application window closes.
