Sokoto State-FG Mulls Digital Economic Transformation
The Sokoto State Government (SOSG) and the Federal Government (FG) pledges to co-act to fast-track digital-economic progression in Nigeria.
The pack was sealed when the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (CI&DE) Dr Bosun Tijani hosted the SOSG delegation at his office in Abuja. The powerful entourage was led by the Commissioner, Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy (MIDE), Honourable Bashar Umar Kwabo. He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry, Dr Nasir Daniya and other team members drawn from the public and private sector.
In his key remarks, Mr Kwabo congratulated the Dr Tijani on his “well deserved appointment by His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinibu GCFR”. He initially conveyed the goodwill message of the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto to the Minister.
The commissioner equally presented a compassionate appeal to the MCI&DE to consider deploying some intervention projects in the state, which are conventionally partaken by the sister agencies under the supervision of the Ministry.
Hon. Bashar delivered the message of Dr Aliyu to the Minister, that “the Governor has the political will to implement the FG’s agenda”, especially the contents of the National Digital Economic Policy and Strategy (NDEPS, 2020-2030), and the current administration’s digital blueprint, that is being smartly driven by the Minister.
Similarly, the PS gave background information and mandate of the MIDE, also highlighted some milestones achieved by the SOSG in embracing and adopting some of the major initiatives of the FMCI&DE. Dr Daniya equally submitted some recommendations from the state that were aimed at ensuring seamless implementation of the FG programs across the country.
In his remarks, the Minister appreciated the Commissioner’s vision and foresight, especially by being proactive in promoting the innovative and digital transformation initiatives of the SOSG. “I have seen your enthusiasm and your level of seriousness as a State”. He maintained that “we design, develop policies and programs for the benefits of States; we run this Ministry transparently”. He further pledged to “work closely” with Sokoto State Government and all the stakeholders in the digital ecosystem to make the State to achieve a digitally compliant society. He encouraged other States to be more proactive.
During the high-level meeting, it was asserted that Sokoto is so far the only state in the country that established a Ministry with exact nomenclature as the FG. The state is also amongst pacesetters the started domesticating ICT activities since 1999, way ahead of the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The SOSG previously won several awards for development of various aspects of ICT in the state, by extension, across Nigeria.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of some of the handmade local leather products from Sokoto State to the Minister.
5-12-2023
