Participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 46 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS) Kuru, Jos, Plateau state, have applauded measures put in place by the Kwara state government towards the promotion of digital economy, youth empowerment and sustainable job creation in the state.
They gave the commendation at the end of their tour of some strategic institutions and facilities in the state.
During their stay in the state between May 13 and 18, 2014, the NIPSS participants visited the International Vocational and Technology Centre (IVTEC), Ajase- Ipo, Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete and Landmark University, Omu-Aran, among others.
The participants, who were led by Air Vice Marshal A.I. Adamu, said that they were impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities at the institutions they visited.
They said the facilities at IVTEC showed the commitment of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to vocational training which is in vogue across the globe, noting that the graduates of the centre will not only become self-employed but employers of labour.
The tour of the NIPSS participants was coordinated by the office of the permanent secretary, Political, Cabinet and Special Services, Mrs. Esther Folasayo Oluyomi.
Speaking during a meeting with the NIPSS delegation at the Governor’s Office, Ilorin, the special adviser on media to the governor, Alhaji Bashir Adigun, asserted that the digital economy presents unlimited opportunities for youth empowerment and sustainable job creation.
“With the right skills and mindset, our young people can thrive in this new landscape, creating innovative solutions, and driving economic growth”, he said.
He also said that Governor Abdurahman Abdulrazaq recognises the youth as the drivers of development.
“In other words, for us in Kwara state, the youths are not leaders of tomorrow but our present leaders who are at the forefront of driving the growth of the state. This can be seen in the number of young people and women in government.
“As a matter of fact, youths constitute an overwhelming majority of political appointees in this state by a deliberate policy of His Excellency. Our Governor, our leader, has been recognised locally and internationally for this remarkable achievement.
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“On assumption of office, our uncommon governor saw this and embarked on projects that will harness the potentials of the youths. Just a walking distance from where we are, there is a digital innovation hub dedicated to tech startups, digital naturals and training of young people in different information technology programmes to equip them for global tech jobs. The first of its kind by any state government in Nigeria. We also have a digital Dolby studio for Nollywood film production. The Governor observed that even when the world recognises the Nigerian youths as major film producers in the continent, only few of these films make it to major film festivals like Cannes in France and Fespaco in Burkina Faso in West Africa, because of the poor quality.”
The governor’s aide said that Kwara state is on record in Northern Nigeria as the trailblazer in the modern digital film production studio, adding that, “we have the Sugar Film factory. There is also the Visual Arts Centre which provides the platform for the youths and adults to showcase their visual arts talents in such a way that it will be documented and digitally preserved for future exhibitions”.
He said the governor’s social investment programmes target industrious young people to develop their businesses and reduce unemployment in the state. According to him, this involves pitching and selecting the best business ideas digitally irrespective of political affiliations.
“We also have the new Eyenkorin Industrial Park in which our State is partnering with a foreign firm for generation of 5000 megawatts of electricity supply.
“In addition, we are soon flagging off a smart city in the state capital intended to leverage effectively on technology for the provision of basic facilities in line with sustainable development goals.
“The foregoing are parts of innovative strategies of Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq to transform the State from analogue to a thriving digital economy and open the State for foreign investors,” Adigun stated.
The state focal person on NSIP, Dr Rabiat Alabere, and the acting chairman of KWASSIP, Dr AbdulWasiu Tejidini, also highlighted various interventions of Governor Abdulrazaq in their respective offices aimed at empowering the youths, women and the vulnerable.
