Gov. Bala Mohammed reiterates commitment to economic empowerment through ICT.
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment and poverty reduction through digital innovation and ICT advancement.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony for the distribution of ICT gadgets to 7,000 beneficiaries under the NG-CARES program, Governor Bala Mohammed emphasized the importance of equipping citizens with the necessary tools and resources to enhance their livelihoods and create economic opportunities.
He noted that digital empowerment is a critical pathway to sustainable economic development, as it enables individuals, especially youths and small business owners, to engage in the growing digital economy.
According to him, by providing access to essential digital tools, the state government aims to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation across Bauchi State.
The Governor also underscored the broader implications of poverty, describing it as not just an economic issue, but also a social and health concern that requires a multi-stakeholder approach.
Governor Bala Mohammed therefore reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to inclusive governance and service delivery to improve the well-being of all citizens.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of NG-CARES, represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Atiku Musa, highlighted that the distribution of ICT gadgets is a key component of the NG-CARES initiative.
He explained that the program is designed to promote digital inclusion and empower beneficiaries with the skills and tools needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Sadiq Hamisu Shira said the initiative reaffirms Governor Bala Mohammed’s vision of leveraging technology for economic growth and underscores Bauchi State’s commitment to empowering its citizens in the digital era.
According to the Commissioner, the distributed gadgets include smartphones, tablets, laptops, and POS machines providing recipients with access to digital tools that will help them improve their businesses, education, and overall livelihoods.
One of the beneficiaries, Shafiu Muhammad, expressed gratitude to the Bauchi State Government, the Ministry of SMEs, and the World Bank for their support and pledged to make judicious use of the gadgets to enhance his digital skills and economic opportunities.
