Federal Government Launches Digital Literacy Program in Niger State

By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Federal Government has launched the "Digital Literacy for All" initiative in Minna, the capital of Nig...

By Awwal Umar Kontagora

The Federal Government has launched the "Digital Literacy for All" initiative in Minna, the capital of Niger State, aiming to promote digital skills across the state. The program, sponsored by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was flagged off by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

Governor Bago welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that digital literacy is essential for progress. He assured that Niger State would fully support the program, to surpass the Federal Government's target of 70% digital literacy by 2027.

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, described the program as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians, especially the youth. He encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of such initiatives, emphasizing the government's commitment to inclusive governance.

NITDA's Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, explained that the program aligns with President Tinubu's directive to accelerate economic diversification and enhance productivity in key sectors like agriculture, education, and healthcare through technology. The initiative aims to ensure that every Nigerian is digitally literate, focusing on information literacy, content creation for business, online safety, and problem-solving skills.

A key feature of the program is the training of 80 NYSC Corps members in each state to act as champions, each tasked with retraining 600 people per month.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Faruk Yabo highlighted the program's role in fostering technological innovation and productivity. NYSC Director-General Brigadier-General Yusha'u Ahmed praised the initiative, saying it would allow Corps members to contribute to national development.

Niger State's Commissioner for Digital Economy, Alhaji Suleiman Isah, revealed that the state had already begun implementing the digital literacy curriculum, training 2,000 market traders in the Chanchaga Local Government Area. He also called on NITDA to establish a National Center for Agro-tech in Niger State, given the state's agricultural potential.