The Sokoto State Government, through the ICT Directorate, the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy (MIDE), and the Ministry of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (MSAED), in collaboration with fintech firm M Lawal Communication, has conducted a pilot training programme for 60 young men and women, primarily POS operators and startup entrepreneurs focused on practical skills in agency banking and digital business operations.

The initiative, coordinated by the ICT Directorate, explored emerging business opportunities and addressed real-world challenges in agency banking, NIMC self-service enrolment, telecom services, and digital marketing, as part of broader efforts to strengthen digital and financial inclusion across the state.

The Honourable Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo, in an earlier statement, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building youth capacity through technology-driven empowerment. He noted that, with the sustained support of Governor Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, PhD, FCNA, FNCS, the ministry is advancing strategic initiatives that promote digital readiness and self-reliance among young people.

Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo, Commissioner, MIDE, Sokoto

Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, Hon. Abba Muhammad Mualledi, emphasized the role of hands-on training in tackling unemployment and encouraging economic independence. He commended the Governor’s clear focus on youth empowerment.

Hon. Abba Muhammad Mualledi, Commissioner MSAED, Sokoto

Furthermore, the acting Director General of the ICT Directorate, Murtala Yusuf, further highlighted the government’s broader commitment to digital inclusion through the “10,000 Youth Digital and Technical Skills Training Program,” a state-led initiative designed to equip youth with essential competencies for the modern economy.

Murtala Yusuf, Ag. Director General,

ICT Directorate

Also speaking, Umar Kabir Dan Anini, Head of the Prometric and Digital Training Unit, described the training as a pilot phase of a larger empowerment agenda intended to reach thousands of young people across the state.

Umar Kabir Dan Anini, Head of Prometric
and Digital Training

At the close of the session, certificates were presented to participants who successfully completed the programme. The event was attended by representatives from both ministries and private sector stakeholders.

Muhammad Abubakar
3rd May 2025