Kashifu Inuwa , the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), urged the youth of Jigawa State to adopt Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills, recognizing its pivotal role in propelling the nation’s digital economy forward. He delivered this message in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, during the commencement of a capacity-building training program sponsored by the state government for 1000 young individuals.
This training initiative, a collaborative effort between the Jigawa State government, the National Information Technology Agency (NITDA), Base University, and IDEAS, facilitated by the Jigawa State Development Agency for Youth Empowerment and Employment, aligns with the state’s aspirations to tap into diverse economic prospects for swift progress.
In emphasizing the importance of ICT proficiency for sustainable development and self-sufficiency, the NITDA chief underscored the global transition from traditional qualifications to practical skills, stressing the necessity for individuals to adapt to this paradigm shift in order to thrive.
He said, “This training of the one thousand youths in Jigawa on skills in emerging technologies will enable the state to recover its lost glory as the leading state in the ICT sector of Nigeria in the early 2000s.”
“Will continue to partner with state governments across the country to expand digital literacy for citizens’ exclusivity in propelling the national digital economy to fight poverty and poverty-related challenges in the country,” he added.
In highlighting the significance of the training, jointly organized by the state government’s Agency for Youth Empowerment, NITDA, Base University, and IDEAS Hub, Inuwa emphasized its strategic role in advancing the state’s pursuit of additional economic opportunities for accelerated development.
Governor Umar Namadi, represented by the state’s Deputy Governor, Aminu Usman Gumel, lauded NITDA for its diverse intervention programs across various sectors, attributing them to the state’s rapid progress within a year in office.
During the flag-off ceremony, speakers including Dr. Habibu Ubale, the Director General of Jigawa State Agency for Youth Empowerment and Employment, and representatives from collaborating organizations, unanimously acknowledged the importance of equipping youth with ICT skills to foster sustainable economic growth.
The training, which encompasses five focal areas with a particular emphasis on Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Software development, is expected to cultivate young talents capable of spearheading digital development both within the state and nationwide.
