*Bichi Emirate Digital Skills programme, in Kano State, is in line with key policy documents developed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in Nigeria, says Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of Nigerian Communications Commission

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

Sequel to the telecoms firm鈥檚 support for the activation of the key policy initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commended 9mobile for driving initiatives that empower Nigerian youths, via digital skills acquisition.

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the country鈥檚 telecoms regulatory Commission, gave the commendation in his lecture during the launch of the Digital Bichi Emirate Initiative, and graduation of the pilot class of the 9mobile-sponsored digital skills entrepreneurship programme for youths.

A cross-section of participants in the Bichi Emirate Digital Skills programme聽 聽Photo: ADOF

绿帽献妻 reports the entrepreneurship programme is part of activities to mark the coronation of His Highness, Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero, Chairman, Board of Directors of EMTS (9mobile), as the second Emir of Bichi, in Bichi Local Government Area, Kano State.

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The programme would train 1,000 youths from and within Bichi Emirate in Digital Literacy and Digitally-powered work skills, such as Agency Banking to empower the young Nigerians for digital jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in the digital ecosystem.

The four training cycles of 12 weeks each would also offer the trainees modules in other courses, including Mobile Devices Repairs & Maintenance, Graphics and Video Animation Course, Basic Cinematography Course, Social Enterprise Development, according to Advancing Digital Opportunities Foundation (ADOF).

Danbatta stated that the programme was in line with key policy documents developed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

These documents, he said, include the Nigeria National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2010-2030, and the National Policy on Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian telecommunications sector (NPPIC), to promote a digital economy.

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In his comment on the Bichi digital skills programme, His Highness, Alhaji Ado Bayero, Emir of Bichi, the Visioner of the initiative, appreciated 9mobile for its support for the youths of the Emirate through its sponsorship of the digital skills programme.

The traditional ruler said: 鈥淥n behalf of the Bichi Emirate Council and the good people of Bichi, I wish to specially express my profound gratitude to the Board and Management of 9mobile for the support shown to our people.

鈥淲e, therefore, hope to receive many more of this kind of gesture in the future.鈥�

Governor (Dr.) Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State also noted that the initiative relates to his administration鈥檚 efforts at empowering and creating meaningful employment for the youths.

While assuring of his administration鈥檚 willingness to collaborate with the Telco on other initiatives that will benefit the good people of Kano State, the governor enjoined the graduands to put the skills they have acquired to good use to impact the lives of their families, communities, and the state in general.

In reiterating 9mobile鈥檚 commitment to empowering the youths, Mr. Juergen Peschel, Acting Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, disclosed that Bichi Emirate Digital Skills programme is one of the company鈥檚 strategic efforts at contributing to the human and capital development of Nigeria by providing digital skill acquisition opportunities for youths in line with the Government’s agenda on digital transformation.

鈥淚n a country endowed like Nigeria with two-thirds of its population within the youth bracket, the question has always been about how to empower young people with relevant and sustainable skills and create the enabling environment for them to channel their energies and innovation into productive enterprises that can be harnessed for national development.

鈥淭his is what informs all our ground-breaking youth-centered initiatives,鈥�

Other dignitaries who graced the ceremony include Dr. Isa Pantami, Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammed Sa鈥檃d Abubakar III (CFR), Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the ceremony, His Majesty, Keagborekuzi I, Dein of Agbor, and other society stalwarts.