FG unveils digital literacy program in Niger

The Federal Government has launched the Digital Literacy for All Initiative (DL4ALL) at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Center Minna, Niger State.

The Digital Literacy Initiative is a collaboration between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

In his keynote address, the governor of Niger State, Muhammad Umaru Bago, noted that digital literacy is the only way forward, adding that the initiative was timely. He promised that his administration will key into the initiative so as to achieve more than 70 per cent target of the Federal Government.

The governor disclosed that some communities in the state have been ravaged as a result of insecurity and natural disasters leading to a greater number of children dropping out of schools, hence the need for collaboration between NITDA, NYSC and other important partners to deploy technology to where children will be taught from the comfort of their houses.

On his part, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, noted that DL4ALL is one among many initiatives introduced by the Federal Government to better the lots of Nigerians.

The Minister enjoined Nigerians, especially the youth, to key into various initiatives as President Bola Tinubu remains determined to make sure that governance is brought to the doorsteps of every Nigerian.

Earlier, the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, highlighted that the project 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.

Kashifu disclosed 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 per cent of Nigerians by 2027.

The NITDA DG further explained that the competency areas of the initiative 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, 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.

Also speaking, the Director-General, National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed, stated that the programme will offer 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.