Federal government has flagged-off Digital Literacy for all in Minna, the Niger State capital.
The farmer Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago flagged-off the initiative sponsored by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Farmer Governor Umaru Bago described the initiative as a welcome idea, pointing out that digital literacy is the way forward.
He stressed the importance of digital literacy and assured that the Niger State government will key into the initiative to achieve more than the 70% target of the Federal government.
The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, in his remarks, said the “Digital Literacy for all” programme is one among many other initiatives introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to better the lives of Nigerians.
He called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to tap from the various initiatives as President Tinubu remains determined to make sure that governance is brought to the doorsteps of the people.
The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, in the project overview, disclosed that it was designed after President Tinubu directed the Ministry to accelerate the diversification of Nigeria’s economy and enhance productivity in critical sectors such as agriculture, education, and healthcare through technological innovation.
He added that the framework for the initiative, which is also to ensure that every Nigerian is digitally included and digitally literate, intends to achieve a short-term target of 70% of Nigerians by 2027.
The Director-General of NITDA highlighted the competency areas of the initiative which include information and data literacy, content creation for traders to know how to create content for their businesses, online safety and problem-solving.
He said 80 Corps members in each State will be trained as champions and each of them is expected to retrain 600 people every month for the period the programme will last.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Faruk Yabo said the flag-off is a significant milestone in the Nation’s step towards a digitally empowered society, adding that the scheme will foster technological innovations and productivity in key sectors.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed, stated that the programme will offer the Corps Members the opportunity to further contribute to nation-building and development.
He expressed gratitude to NiTDA for the collaboration and assured that NYSC is fully committed to the success of the project.
The Commissioner for Digital Economy, Alh. Suleiman Isah, said the curriculum for digital literacy for all, had already been implemented in the state 2 months ago and that 2000 market people had already been trained in the Chanchaga Local Government area of the state.
He appealed to the DG of NITDA to establish the National Center for Agro-tech in Niger state, considering the agrarian nature of the state.
Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary
to the Governor of Niger State
14/9/2024.
