Sakoto State, Nigeria: The Sokoto State Government (SOSG) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are discussing ways to achieve actionable collaboration. The two organizations want to utilise existing cordial relationships effectively to ensure maximum access, acceptance and adoption of digital-economic opportunities by Sokoto State indigenes.
These topics were brainstormed during a courtesy visit made by the SOSG delegation to the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi. The team was led by the Commissioner of Innovation and Digital Economy (MIDE), Sokoto State, Bashar Umar Kwabo. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Nasir Daniya and the founder and CEO of Paymish Technologies, Suleiman Nadabo, accompanied him.
Kwabo extended the goodwill and best wishes of Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State to NITDA and the DG in particular. He also pledged to continue collaborating with NITDA to enhance all facets of ICT in Sokoto State. The Commissioner notified the DG that they plan to utilise all available opportunities provided by NITDA in the interest of the Government and people of Sokoto State.
In his response, the DG explained the recently launched programs under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) via NITDA, which include “3 Million Technical Talent Programme(3MTT) and Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme to fund 45 consortia of startups and researchers” etc.
He also spoke about the upcoming Digital Nigeria Conference and Exhibition, which is coming up in the last week of October 2023, where the Sokoto State Governor and MIDE officials were invited as Special Guest and panellists, respectively.
Abdullahi encouraged the active participation of SOSG in the program and pledged NITDA’s maximum support and cooperation. The DG presented souvenirs to the Commissioner, who had subsequent extended deliberations with the agency directors.
The SOSG, led by Kwabo through the MIDE, has been conducting study tours across selected states in the country. These states include Lagos State and the FCT to foster realistically achievable collaborations.
The authorities seek to collaborate with the public and private sectors to enhance governance and social services using Innovation, ICT and digital technologies.