Alex Otti, Executive Governor of Abia State, has welcomed and celebrated teenage student, Miss Grace John Nkpa, of Academic Planet School, Aba, at the conclusion of the expanded Executive Council Meeting.
Miss Grace is the 2025 Abia TechGirls star; she won one of the three spots to represent Nigeria at the TechGirls 2025 International Exchange Programme in the United States of America (USA) “out of 250,000 contestants”.
The TechGirls International Exchange Programme is a world Initiative of the Department of State of the United States (US) where “brilliant” girls in their teens from thirty-seven (37) countries converge.
Governor Otti posted on X: “Yesterday, our expanded Executive Council meeting ended on a high note as we welcomed and celebrated Miss Grace John Nkpa, the 2025 Abia TechGirls star. Grace, who is barely in her teens, has done something exceptional.
“She is a student of Academic Planet School, Aba, who clinched one of the three spots to represent Nigeria at the TechGirls 2025 International Exchange Programme in the USA out of 250,000 contestants!
“The TechGirls International Exchange Programme is a global initiative of the US Department of State, which brings together brilliant teenage girls from 37 countries.
“It is a U.S.-based summer exchange designed to empower young teenage girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields. Grace will be heading to Virginia Tech for three months of hands-on workshops, leadership training, and mentorship alongside other bright minds from across the globe.”
The Governor encouraged Miss Grace to “carry the Abia spirit with her” to America, and “to help uplift others by sharing all she has learned” when she comes back.
Governor Otti further posted: “Her journey lit up the room, and her speech was well-received. We could not be more proud. I encouraged her to carry the Abia spirit with her, and when she returns, to help uplift others by sharing all she has learned. She has the support of the Abia State Government, including some financial support to help launch her journey.
“Big thanks to the DG of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Ure Abazie, Academic Planet School, and her ever-supportive family for cheering on.
“Her story is one for the books and she is a living proof that our girls can dream boldly and beyond borders, too. We are proud of her, and we are rooting for her every step of the way.
“Congratulations Grace.”
