The Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) says it is committed to improving the ICT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) application capacities of local government workers in Abia State.
The Finance Officer of LIFE-ND Abia, Mrs. Loveth Okpata, said this on Monday in Umuahia during a training for staff and local government desk officers on basic ICT tools and AI applications.
LIFE-ND is an initiative of the Federal Government, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the Niger Delta Development Commission. It aims to reduce poverty, create jobs, and promote sustainable income and food security across the nine Niger Delta states.
Okpata said the training would enhance the implementation of LIFE-ND activities and improve efficiency.
“The training will help facilitate LIFE-ND activities so that we do not fall behind schedule. With the knowledge gained today, many of us who found it difficult to write reports will no longer face such challenges,” she said.
The session brought together staff of the State Project Coordinating Office (SPCO) and desk officers from the 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) where the project is being implemented. It aimed to improve efficiency and project delivery.
Participants were trained in practical modules, including the use of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, fundamentals of project reporting, professional email communication, and Zoom for virtual meetings.
They were also introduced to the use of ChatGPT for work and reporting, with emphasis on the dos and don’ts of applying AI tools in official settings.
The training featured live demonstrations using real LIFE-ND tasks to ensure hands-on learning.
The resource person and ICT Specialist for LIFE-ND, Mr. Joshua Chibueze, said the training was designed to strengthen participants’ skills, particularly in report and memo writing.
He noted that many staff members submitted reports and memos late due to limited digital knowledge.
“Microsoft Word is a very important tool for reporting, so we covered the basics and key elements required for effective reporting. We also discussed report structure, methods of achieving quality reporting, and ways to ensure your reports meet standard,” Chibueze said.
He commended the state and national leadership of LIFE-ND for organising the training and lauded Gov. Alex Otti of Abia for his support.
Also speaking, Mrs. Doris Otti, Desk Officer for Aba South LGA, said the training would improve her job performance, especially in preparing memos and reports.
