In a significant move to foster digital skills development and youth empowerment, the Jigawa State Government has partnered with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to empower youths with on-demand digital skills aimed at providing youths an enabling environment for their innovation to thrive in the digital economy.
The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi Danmodi, who visited the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters, stated that exploring the partnership is part of Jigawa State Government’s efforts to create a more conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, believing that digital skills are essential for economic development and job creation.
The primary focus of the partnership is the integration of Jigawa State’s youth empowerment programmes with NITDA’s initiative of ongoing One Million Developers training being conducted by the Agency.
According to the both parties, this collaboration will create a favorable environment for youth empowerment and the development of digital skills in the State, which is in line with the Federal Government’s vision of digital economy agenda and the need to bridge the digital divide across all states.
Recognising the immense potential of digital technology in driving economic growth and job creation, the Governor emphasised the importance of equipping the youth with the requisite knowledge and skills to take advantage of emerging opportunities, and expressed his commitment to promoting digital literacy and equipping the youth of Jigawa State with the necessary skills in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Governor also informed that Jigawa has established Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Agency aims at equipping young individuals with essential digital skills, which will play a key role in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth within the state and the nation at large.
He added that the Agency will provide youths with the skills and resources they need to succeed in the digital economy, through offers of programmes such as training on digital skills, business development support, and access to funding.
He expressed his gratitude to NITDA for the unwavering support, and reaffirmed his commitment to the success of the partnership. He highlighted the potential impact of the collaboration on job creation, economic growth, and overall development of digital economy in Jigawa State.
Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE welcomed the partnership with Jigawa government and commended Governor Danmodi’s proactive approach to youth empowerment. He assured him of NITDA’s readiness to support the State in its quest to build a digital-savvy workforce and transform the state’s economy through emerging technology.
Inuwa commended the governor’s vision by establishing Youth’s Agency and assured him of NITDA’s support in achieving the shared goals of empowering youth and promoting digital inclusion.
While emphasising the importance of digital literacy and skills development, Inuwa stated that they were fundamental in harnessing the potential of the youth and enabling them to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation.
“As the technology continues to evolve, the Jigawa-NITDA collaboration will serve as a shining example of proactive measures taken by state governments to empower the youth and position communities for success in the digital era,” the DG added.
Under the collaboration, NITDA will provide technical assistance, training programmes, and capacity-building that encompass various domains, including software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, NITDA will facilitate access to its existing initiatives such as the Digital States Initiative, which aims to transform states into digitally innovative and inclusive ecosystems. Through this programme, Jigawa will be able to leverage NITDA’s expertise and experience in creating an enabling environment for digital entrepreneurship and innovation.
Both Governor Danmodi and Director General Inuwa believe that investing in the digital skills development of the youth will contribute significantly to reducing unemployment, poverty, and social vices in the State.
They expressed optimism that the collaboration between the state government and NITDA would yield fruitful results, as the youth are poised to become catalysts of digital transformation, paving the way for a brighter future.
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