Innovation and Digital Economy Ministry Unveils Robust Plans for Sokoto During 2024 Budget Defence
The Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy Sokoto (MIDE) defended its 2024 appropriation at the Sokoto State House of Assembly. The Chairman SOHA committee on Innovation and Digital Economy Hon. Aminu Gidado Jegawa, representing Sokoto South, the Committee engaged in constructive discussions with the MIDE.
The Ministry was led by the Commissioner, Bashar Umar Kwabo and Permanent Secretary Dr. Nasir Daniya and other Directors of the Ministry and Heads of Units at of the State ICT Directorate.
Commissioner Bashar delivered a compelling introductory speech that detailed the Ministry’s strategic plans.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Hon. Kwabo outlined the Ministry’s background, achievements, mandates, and services, addressing challenges, particularly inadequate budgetary provisions and shortage of manpower amongst others.
Hon. Bashar discussed the Ministry’s recent activities, highlighting engagements with key players in the digital ecosystem, including UNDP, AfDB, NITDA, and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy through the Honorable Minister Dr. Busun Tijani, PhD. He additionally outlined the benefits of these interactions, such as pledges for free training programs to over 10,000 Sokoto State Indigenes and infrastructure support.
Furthermore, the Commissioner announced the Governor’s award of Honorary Fellowship by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS for his contributions to the digital ecosystem in Sokoto State. He concluded with prayers and recommendations, urging the enactment of a law to establish the Sokoto State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (SICTDA) and increased budgetary allocations to address infrastructure and operational gaps.
In their response, the committee assured the Ministry of its maximum support and cooperation in discharging its duties. During subsequent press briefing after the defence, the Commissioner unveiled upcoming development plans for Sokoto State, which include training of 10,000 youths for knowledge enhancement and business development. He asserts that one of the primary objectives of Dr Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s administration is youth empowerment, skills acquisition and digital-economic developments.
15-12-2023
