Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing digital transformation among the youths, pledging collaboration with stakeholders to drive sustainable development.
LEADERSHIP released a detailed report that uncovered how low digital financial literacy denies traders and herders in Bauchi, Jigawa, Gombe, Kano, and Plateau states access to opportunities in the digital economy.
Data revealed that the Northern region currently has the highest index of digitally excluded people in the country despite the availability of Digital Public Infrastructure and Digital Public Goods, which both give unrestricted access to digital services in the country.
Speaking through his deputy, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, at the 2nd Arewa Tech Fest in Katsina, Governor Mohammed stressed the importance of digital empowerment in building a knowledge-driven economy capable of positioning youth as leaders in the digital era.
He noted Bauchi State’s strides in empowering the youths and women with digital skills, creating pathways to new careers, and preparing them for the challenges of the 21st-century economy. According to him, these efforts are aimed at bridging the skills gap, fostering entrepreneurship, and connecting the region’s workforce to global opportunities.
The governor also spotlighted the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy as a flagship initiative. This centre of excellence is designed to equip the youths with practical skills for the oil and gas sector while accelerating exploration and exploitation activities in the region.
“Empowering youth and women is a strategic investment that drives growth and development,” Mohammed remarked, adding that the state’s prosperity is intrinsically linked to the well-being and success of its people.
Calling for stakeholder collaboration, he urged a collective effort to transform Arewa from a region of untapped potential into a hub of innovation and opportunity.
Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the convener of the forum, echoed this sentiment, advocating for support to unlock the Northern region’s immense potential. The event underscored the pivotal role of digital transformation and youth empowerment in the region’s development agenda.
Governor Mohammed and El-Rufai’s call for action underscores a unified vision to propel Northern Nigeria into a digitally inclusive future.
