300 MSMEs are expected to be actively training and mentoring others across the 23 local governments in Sokoto State by the end of the first quarter of 2026, following the completion of the Digital Skills Mentorship Program for MSMEs.
The three-day Digital Skills Mentorship Program for MSMEs was jointly organised by the Federal Government through the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Sokoto State Government through the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy, and concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding participants.
The program was designed to equip micro, small and medium enterprise owners with practical digital skills needed to improve business operations, expand market reach and enhance competitiveness in today’s technology-driven economy.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Acting Director, Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department of NITDA, Dr. Ahmed Yusuf Tambuwal, explained that winners emerged after a rigorous evaluation process.
He said the assessment covered knowledge acquisition, practical skills application, level of engagement and entrepreneurial mindset demonstrated by participants throughout the program.
According to him, “the process focused on how well participants understood the training and applied digital tools to address real business needs.”
At the end of the program, Umar Sanusi Garba emerged as the top performer, while Isma’il Abubakar and Sadiya Ibrahim Dogondaji finished in second and third positions respectively.
The top three participants received laptops and cash prizes, while other participants were provided with cash tokens to support logistics. Certificates were also awarded to all participants who attended the program.
In his closing remarks, the Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo, commended participants for their commitment and encouraged them to apply the skills gained to strengthen their businesses.
He said, “the expectation is that these digital skills will translate into business growth and contribute to the overall economic development of Sokoto State.”
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, for supporting ICT development in the state, and also commended Dr. Tambuwal for facilitating collaboration between NITDA and the Ministry.
Kwabo assured that more initiatives would be introduced under Governor Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, as the state government remains committed to digital inclusion, innovation and MSME development.
The Sokoto State Government, through the Ministry, plans to upscale the program by enabling 30 successful participants to mentor 10 startups each, a move expected to produce 300 MSMEs capable of nurturing others statewide by early 2026.
The closing ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Nasir Daniya, Ph.D, mni, directors and heads of units from the Ministry and SICTDA, as well as invited guests.
