The Bauchi State Government has expressed its resolve to establish an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub to engage the state’s youth in ventures that promote growth and development.
To that effect, the State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, has approved the appointment of 27-year-old Ibrahim Tijjani to head the ICT unit of the state.
He added that within his administration, there is a Department of Digital Economy and ICT responsible for developing profitable ventures for the youth and preparing them for better opportunities.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner of Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, Aminu Hammayo, at a one-day sensitization meeting themed ‘From Clicks to Progress: Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.’
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The event was organized by the Bauchi State Government through the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in collaboration with the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and was held in Bauchi on Friday.
The Commissioner explained that the government is determined to utilize the abundant human resources available in the state to build a strong state structure that will stand the test of time.
He emphasized that the government believes in the ability of the youth to participate actively in governance, which is why it has included many young people in its cabinet, making it a youth-driven administration.
Aminu Hammayo further stressed that the government will continue to introduce programs aimed at ensuring that the youth are fully engaged and developed for a better Bauchi State.
He urged the participants at the meeting to pay close attention to the presentations to achieve the set objectives of growth and development.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner of Information and Communication, Comrade Usman Garba Danturaki, stated, “As we gather here today to celebrate our power, our passion, and our potential, we must remember that we are still regarded as tomorrow’s leaders and also the change-makers of today.”
He added, “We are the ones who will shape the future, innovate, and solve the problems facing our communities. We must also recognize that some of the challenges we face, such as discrimination, injustice, and inequality, are part of the process of our development.”
“We must embrace our diversity, celebrate our differences, and stand in unity and solidarity with one another to harness our potential. Let us build a generation that breaks down barriers among us, unites us in tackling our challenges together, and creates a society that is just, fair, and ensures equitable distribution of resources in a peaceful manner,” he added.
The Commissioner stressed, “As we have unique perspectives and voices, let us use them to speak the truth and demand a better society. Let us rise together so that our voices can be heard in shaping the future we want to see and saving the generations ahead.”
According to him, “It is indeed a rare privilege for me to be part of this occasion. I am sure that the participants here will use the knowledge acquired and lessons learned from this reputable international organization for the betterment of themselves and humanity. I would also like to appeal to you to be good ambassadors of your various organizations and the state at large.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Jamila Mohammed Dahiru, commended UNFPA for the tremendous support it has rendered to the education sector of the state.
The Commissioner added that focusing on youth growth and development is crucial to the survival of the state, emphasizing that the development of youth will ensure a sustainable Bauchi State society.
Jamila Dahiru further highlighted that the Ministry of Education is doing everything humanly and administratively possible to implement programs that are youth-friendly, especially in practical skills and trade acquisition, even as they pursue their academic activities.
She also assured that the Ministry of Education will continue to partner with relevant agencies and organizations with the aim of building the capacity of the youth across the state.
Earlier, the DG of the Bauchi State SDGs office, Lydia Shehu, said that the meeting was organized to celebrate the 2024 International Youth Day and raise awareness among the youth in the state.
Lydia Shehu, who highlighted the objectives of the SDGs, urged the participating youth to take the training seriously and fully understand the various presentations for their growth and development.
