Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment and poverty reduction through digital innovation and ICT development.
At the official flag-off ceremony for the distribution of ICT gadgets to 7,000 beneficiaries under the NG-CARES programme on Friday, Governor Mohammed emphasised the transformative role of technology in enhancing livelihoods, fostering entrepreneurship and creating economic opportunities.
He described digital empowerment as a key driver of sustainable development, enabling youths, small business owners and entrepreneurs to actively participate in the growing digital economy, saying that by equipping citizens with essential digital tools, his administration aims to promote innovation, job creation and financial inclusion across the state.
The governor further noted that poverty is not just an economic challenge but a social and health issue that demands a comprehensive approach, reiterating his administration’s dedication to inclusive governance and policies that enhance the overall well-being of residents.
Speaking on behalf of the national coordinator of NG-CARES, the director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Atiku Musa, hailed the initiative as a significant step towards digital inclusion.
He noted that providing citizens with ICT tools and skills aligns with the programme’s mission to empower communities in today’s technology-driven world.
One of the beneficiaries, Shafiu Muhammad, expressed gratitude to the Bauchi State government, the Ministry of SMEs and the World Bank for their support.
He pledged to utilise the gadgets effectively to enhance his digital skills and improve his economic prospects.
The distributed devices included smartphones, tablets, laptops and POS machines, all aimed at enhancing digital literacy and boosting economic activities in the state.
