Kano State government has commended the federal government over its moves to empower one million youths across the country with digital and related skills.
The federal government had announced plans through the office of Vice President Kashim Shettima to launch the digital hub.
The move is in line with President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to providing more digital jobs for young Nigerians, including women.
Reacting to the development, special adviser to the governor Abba Yusuf on cooperatives, Jamilu Abbas said the programme is timely. He said the policy would complement the desire of the current administration to support cooperative groups across the state to be economically solvent.
According to him, the state government is targeting about 250 various cooperative groups for the intervention.
Abbas, who is also the national president of Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) noted that most members of cooperative groups belong to different medium and small entrepreneurs.
The aide said the intended beneficiaries include market traders, farmers, artisans and the ICT sector.
He however urged the federal government to accord Kano state priority because of its size, population and commercial nature.
Abbas also appealed to Kano indigenes to embrace the policy in order to modernise and strengthen their businesses.
According to the policy, the centres, to be known as FGN/ALAT Digital and Skills Innovation Hub, would open first in Lagos and Borno States with Katsina, Cross River, Anambra, Oyo and Kano States to follow afterwards.
The strategic objectives of the programme include to empower young entrepreneurs by providing them with tailored financial products, training and support to enable them build sustainable businesses that would support the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
Other objectives include: supporting tech-savvy youths with keen interest in digital innovations and aspire to drive technological advancements, by providing them with financial solutions, training and access to strategic partnerships; and empowering young employees to become an integral part of the workforce in Nigeria.
The focus is on promoting entrepreneurship, skills development and the integration of young employees in the workforce, particularly getting one million youths employed in the digital economy and upskilling SMEs who can directly add value to the country’s economy, the government said.
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