The Kano State Commissioner for Information Comred Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya has called on talented youths across the state to take full advantage of a new national innovation initiative titled “Unlocking Nigerias Innovation Potential Hubs as Engines of Transformation and Innovation Support Network.
Speaking at the official launch of the programme, the Commissioner described Kano as the most strategic host, noting that the state boasts one of the largest populations of skilled, Creatives, and tech-driven young people in the country.
Comred Ibrahim Waiya emphasized that the initiative offers a unique opportunity for youths to acquire modern competencies that will prepare them for global competitiveness.
The programme is supported by the German Cooperation (Deutsche Zusammenarbeit) and co-funded by the European Union in partnership with key Nigerian stakeholders.
“It aims to strengthen innovation hubs, expand digital-skills training, and promote technology-driven development across the nation.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the programme, Dr. Adu Muzakkari, urged Kano indigenes to actively participate and explore the vast opportunities offered through the initiative.
According to him, the project is designed to uplift young innovators, empower startups, and create a stronger ecosystem for technological advancement.
The experts at the launch stressed that the initiative will help accelerate entrepreneurship,support job creation, and boost economic diversification.
“With its vibrant youth population and growing tech community, Kano is expected to emerge as one of Nigeria’s leading centres for innovation.
The programme is set to begin with capacity building sessions mentorship support and the establishment of collaborative hubs that will enable innovators to develop practical solutions to local and national challenges.
In his remarks the Katsina State governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda who ably represented by Dr.Abdulganiyyu Rufa’i Yakub has said They laid out a bold vision to transform the state into a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy, He highlighted the progress made over the past two years in leveraging technology, innovation, and modern governance.
“When We began this journey, we knew that agriculture alone could not sustain our people’s prosperity in the 21st century. We needed new pillars built on technology, innovation, and modern governance.”
At the heart of this transformation is the Katsina State Directorate of ICT & Digital Transformation (KATDICT). In just two years, KATDICT has become a key driver of government efficiency.
” It has provided statewide connectivity, secure cloud infrastructure, thousands of digital tools for civil servants, continuous training in digital literacy and the early automation of government services.
“These efforts are laying the foundation for the ‘One Government Enterprise’ we envision a public sector that is integrated, transparent, efficient, and fully digital,” the Governor added.
He emphasized that transformation extends beyond government walls. A modern economy requires a thriving technology ecosystem where innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs can turn ideas into scalable, job-creating businesses.
