Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Monday, July 7, received Miss Grace John Nkpa, the 2025 Abia TechGirls Star, in a special recognition event following the weekly Executive Council meeting.
Miss Grace, a 15-year-old student of Academic Planet School, Aba, secured one of Nigeria’s three coveted slots in the prestigious 2025 TechGirls International Exchange Program—an initiative of the U.S. Department of State focused on empowering teenage girls in STEM and leadership.
Governor Otti, visibly proud and elated, applauded Grace for placing Abia on the global map and described her achievement as a source of inspiration to other young people in the state. He encouraged her to remain a worthy ambassador throughout the three-month intensive tech and leadership training at Virginia Tech University, USA. The governor also announced a financial support of $5,000 (in Naira equivalent) towards her trip.
“Go and shine, but remember to return and share your knowledge with other girls in Abia. We are proud of you,” Governor Otti said.
During the event, the Director-General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Mrs. Ureh Abazie, briefed the council on the significance of the TechGirls program, noting that it selects exceptional girls from 37 countries who demonstrate passion for STEM, leadership, and innovation. She lauded Grace for emerging one of only three Nigerian winners, out of over 250,000 applicants nationwide, alongside representatives from Delta State and the FCT.
In an emotional and confident speech, Miss Grace expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent her school, community, state, and country. She encouraged fellow teenage girls to “dream big and beyond borders,” and promised to make Abia proud during and after the program. Her address earned her a standing ovation from members of the Executive Council.
The Director of Academic Planet School, Mr. Nnamdi Ajah, also thanked Governor Otti for his administration’s strides in education and infrastructure, pledging continued support for the state’s educational policies. He was joined by Grace’s mother and other family members at the reception.
Miss Grace hails from Abiriba in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
