The Federal Government, through the National Information Technology Development Agency, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Government’s Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy, has launched a three day Digital Skills Mentorship Program for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, DSMP–MSME, in Sokoto.
The programme, which is holding at Lint-Tech Limited Training Hub, Sokoto, is aimed at equipping business owners with relevant digital skills needed to compete effectively in a technology driven economy.
Declaring the programme open, the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo, described the initiative as timely, noting that digital capacity is now essential for business survival and growth.
He commended NITDA for the collaboration, stating that it reflects a shared commitment to building an inclusive and innovative digital economy.
“This training is designed to provide practical digital knowledge that will help MSMEs improve productivity, expand market access, and strengthen their businesses,” Kwabo said.
He also highlighted the Sokoto State Government’s commitment to digital inclusion, innovation, and human capital development under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto.
According to him, the establishment of the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy and the Sokoto Information and Communications Technology Development Agency demonstrates the state’s dedication to advancing digital transformation.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Nasir Daniya Mni, disclosed that the programme received over 4,500 applications.
He said only 30 participants were selected based on merit, comprising 60 percent men, 40 percent women, and 10 percent persons with disabilities.
“This selection process reflects our focus on fairness, inclusion, and capacity,” Daniya said.
Speaking on behalf of NITDA, Dr. Ahmed Yusuf Tambuwal, Assistant Director, explained that the programme is structured to equip MSMEs with digital tools that can be applied immediately to their businesses.
He added that outstanding participants would be rewarded with laptop prizes to encourage excellence and innovation.
“The goal is to ensure that participants leave with skills they can use right away,” Tambuwal said.
Also speaking, Mr. Murtala Nuhu, Director of ICT at the Ministry, urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing that the digital economy represents the future of business growth.
Lectures at the programme were delivered by Dr. Shadi Sabeh, Vice Chancellor of iConic Open University and Founder of BFI Group, and Manir Malami Umar MNCS, Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society, Sokoto State Chapter.
The opening ceremony was attended by Directors and Heads of Units from the Ministry and the Sokoto Information and Communications Technology Development Agency, NITDA representatives, and other invited guests.
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