Delivering the keynote address, Kashifu Inuwa, the director general of NITDA, represented by Dr. Ahmed Tambuwal, the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, and conveyed through Udoka Mannie, challenged young Nigerians to move from consumers of global technology to creators of local innovation.

He noted that Nigeria’s greatest strength may not lie underground in natural resources, but above ground in its people.

With more than 60 per cent of the population under the age of 25, Nigeria stands among the youngest nations in the world, a demographic advantage many developed countries no longer have. While several economies grapple with ageing populations and shrinking workforces, Nigeria has a growing generation of digital natives ready to shape the future.

According to Inuwa, that youthful energy must now be channelled into solving real problems through technology.

From healthcare and agriculture to education, finance and public services, he said artificial intelligence offers powerful tools to tackle some of Nigeria’s most persistent socio-economic challenges, if built with local context in mind.

The hackathon, he added, was designed as more than a competition. It was a meeting point for talent from different backgrounds to collaborate, experiment and develop practical AI solutions tailored to Nigeria’s needs.

For participants in the room, the challenge was clear: the next breakthrough in artificial intelligence does not have to come from Silicon Valley or Europe. It can come from Abuja, Lagos, Kano or Enugu.

As laptops glowed and ideas turned into prototypes, one thing became evident, Nigeria’s AI future may well be written by its youth.

“As you can see, this room is filled with young people, this represents a powerful opportunity for innovation and digital skills development,” he said.

He noted that artificial intelligence is already reshaping economies, governance systems and societies worldwide, stressing that the key question for Nigeria is whether it would actively shape AI for national development or remain a passive consumer of foreign innovations.

Inuwa said NITDA’s mandate remains the development and regulation of information technology in Nigeria while ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for growth rather than mere consumption.

He explained that the agency’s Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department is focused on building a digitally skilled population capable of participating meaningfully in the global digital economy.

The NITDA boss highlighted the agency’s Digital Literacy for All initiative (DL4ALL) as one of its flagship programmes aimed at equipping millions of Nigerians with critical digital skills, adding that it aligns with the Federal Government’s target of achieving 95 percent digital literacy by 2030.

“Beyond literacy, we are now moving into capability. It is one thing to use technology, but another thing entirely to build with it. Today, we are challenging you to build,” he said.

He urged participants to focus on impact driven innovation rather than prizes or applause, noting that Nigeria has no shortage of pressing challenges requiring technological intervention.

Inuwa identified healthcare access in rural communities, inefficiencies in public service delivery, agriculture, education, financial inclusion and misinformation as sectors where AI can deliver transformative solutions.

The DG also stressed the importance of inclusion, ethics and data protection in the development of AI systems.

“As we explore AI, we must be mindful of ethics, data protection and inclusion. Building responsibly is just as important as building brilliantly,” he said.

He commended Vibe Code Africa for partnering with NITDA to host the hackathon, describing such collaborations as critical to driving innovation at scale.

Encouraging participants to work together, experiment and learn quickly, he said the future of artificial intelligence in Nigeria would not be imported but created by local innovators.

“The future of AI in Nigeria will not be imported. It will be built by people like you in rooms like this,” he added.

In her earlier opening address, the founder of VibeCode Africa, Lola Adey, has urged young Nigerians to harness artificial intelligence to solve pressing national challenges, declaring that Africa must become a centre of innovation rather than a talent reservoir for foreign economies.

Adey said this year’s edition of the hackathon would depart from previous formats where participants were assigned sectors such as agriculture or healthcare. Instead, teams were asked to identify challenges they personally experience in their communities and develop solutions around them.

“We’re not going to give you any industry. We want you to dig deep into yourselves. What are the problems you are facing? What are the problems your brothers and sisters are facing? What are the issues you notice when you walk around?” she said.

She cited persistent electricity shortages, insecurity and social service gaps as examples of problems that innovative youths could begin to tackle through technology.

According to her, the goal of the programme is not merely to gather young people for discussions but to create pathways that transform lives through entrepreneurship, employment and global opportunities.

“With artificial intelligence, you now have something in your hand that you can use to actually solve problems. You don’t have to wait for anybody anymore,” she said.

She encouraged participants to remain focused, humble and collaborative, noting that the event could connect them to future co-founders, investors or employers.

Held under NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, the programme brought together 50 participants and focused on practical digital skills designed to help them participate more fully in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.

Beyond the training itself, the programme served as a reminder that digital progress must leave no one behind.

Speaking at the close of the programme, Kashifu Inuwa NITDA’s director-general, described the initiative as a reflection of the agency’s resolve to place accessibility and inclusion at the heart of Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

According to him, true digital advancement cannot be achieved if persons with disabilities remain excluded from the tools and platforms shaping modern life.

He noted that millions of Nigerians continue to face invisible barriers, not because technology does not exist, but because it is often not designed with accessibility in mind.

“In many cases, the challenge is not the absence of digital tools, but the lack of accessibility,” Inuwa said. “When platforms do not support assistive technologies, lack captions, or remain inaccessible, they unintentionally shut people out and limit their opportunities.”

Inuwa explained that the training aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places inclusivity at the centre of national development. He stressed that persons with disabilities should be seen not as dependants, but as capable contributors to Nigeria’s economic and social growth.

“When given the right skills and the right technologies, persons with disabilities become innovators, entrepreneurs and professionals who contribute meaningfully across every sector of the economy,” he added.

He also acknowledged the contributions of Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and SIMBED, describing the collaboration as a powerful example of how partnerships between government and civil society can drive lasting, inclusive impact.

Highlighting NITDA’s broader digital literacy efforts, the Director-General said the DL4ALL programme is a cornerstone of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, which aims to achieve 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030.

He explained that the initiative is delivered through three key tracks: an informal sector programme that has trained over 480,000 Nigerians across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory since September 2024; an education-focused track that integrates digital skills into learning institutions; and a workforce readiness programme designed to strengthen digital competence across both public and private sectors.

“This is not just a pilot programme,” Inuwa said. “It is proof that intentional, inclusive training works, and that persons with disabilities can excel when given equal opportunities.”

Also speaking, Mr Daniel Onunkwo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SIMBED, described the training as an important step toward closing the digital inclusion gap for persons with disabilities.

He said the initiative sends a clear message that equity is essential to national progress, adding that SIMBED remains committed to expanding digital empowerment opportunities for PWDs.

Similarly, Grace Jerry, the executive director of Inclusive Friends Association, represented by Tracy Agbamu, praised NITDA for demonstrating intentional leadership in promoting inclusion under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She encouraged participants to continue applying the skills they have acquired and to become advocates for digital inclusion within their communities.

The programme, stakeholders noted, reinforces NITDA’s vision of a digitally inclusive Nigeria—one where access to opportunity is shaped not by physical ability, but by empowerment, innovation and shared progress.

Speaking at the Kano Startup Weekend, Inuwa acknowledged Kano’s historic status as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahelian region, noting that its deep-rooted culture of trade, enterprise and human capital provides a strong platform for future prosperity.

He stressed, however, that while these strengths sustained Kano’s economy for centuries, today’s digital economy presents even greater opportunities that can be unlocked through technology-driven innovation.

The DG described innovation as the process of transforming ideas into impactful solutions through commercialization, stressing that when ideas are effectively deployed, they create value, solve societal challenges and generate sustainable economic growth. He noted that Kano’s large market, strategic location and vibrant entrepreneurial culture place it in a strong position to take advantage of innovation-driven opportunities.

According to him, “Innovation is the process of taking an idea from inception to impact. Invention on its own is a cost centre, but when you commercialise an idea, when you turn it into a product or service that solves a real problem and creates value, that is when you begin to drive economic growth and inclusion.”

He noted that the state hosts numerous degree-awarding institutions across federal, state and private ownership, providing a strong base for human capital development.

However, he expressed concern that these institutions often operate in isolation from industry, with research outputs rarely translating into commercial or industrial applications.

He explained that innovation does not happen in silos and stressed the need for a strong, interconnected ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, startups, entrepreneurs and government.

According to him, universities should conduct research informed by industry needs, industries should leverage research to improve productivity and competitiveness, and startups should serve as the bridge that converts ideas into market-ready solutions.

He further encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage technology to build businesses that can grow beyond local markets, explaining that innovation-driven enterprises have the power to scale rapidly, create jobs and position Kano competitively at both national and global levels.

According to him, digital platforms and emerging technologies now make it easier for startups to reach wider markets and develop solutions that were previously unimaginable.

“You can start your business here in Kano, but your thinking must be global from day one. Technology has removed barriers. With the right skills and platforms, a startup in Kano can build solutions that serve not just Nigeria, but the world,” he noted.

Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing interventions, the Director General outlined the Agency’s commitment to building national innovation capacity through targeted human capital development programmes.

He cited the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, which aims to equip Nigerians across all segments of society with essential digital skills, and the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, designed to produce a pipeline of globally competitive technical professionals in areas such as software development, data analysis and emerging technologies.

He said,

“Through DL4ALL, we are ensuring that Nigerians at all levels have the basic digital skills needed to participate in the digital economy, while 3MTT is deliberately building a pipeline of globally competitive technical talents who can drive innovation, create jobs and attract investment.”

He explained that these programmes are key pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises skills development, innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth as pathways to national prosperity. According to him, empowering Nigerians with digital and technical skills is essential for building a resilient economy capable of competing in the global digital landscape.

“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is about investing in people, empowering them with relevant skills and creating opportunities for inclusive growth. At NITDA, we are using digital skills and innovation as tools to translate that vision into real economic impact for Nigerians,” he said.

Inuwa urged all stakeholders in Kano to work together to build a functional innovation ecosystem that can unlock the state’s vast potential.

He expressed confidence that with the right mindset, strong collaboration and sustained investment in digital skills and innovation, Kano can reclaim its historic leadership role and emerge as a major innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Nigeria and beyond.

Amid the everyday rhythm of commerce, banners were raised, conversations sparked, and smartphones turned into tools of discovery.

This was not a political rally or a festival, it was NITDA taking digital literacy directly to the people.

As part of its nationwide push to build a digitally inclusive Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) this week launched the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) National Awareness Campaign, beginning in Kano and Bauchi States.

The campaign is designed to demystify technology, highlight ICT-driven opportunities, and ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey.

In Kano, the outreach flowed through some of the city’s busiest arteries, from the Zoo Road takeoff point, through Tarauni Market, and into the heart of commerce at Farm Center GSM Market. There, market women, phone dealers, artisans, and young entrepreneurs paused their daily hustle to engage with a new idea: digital skills as a pathway to opportunity.

Participants carried placards, engaged traders one-on-one, and demonstrated how simple mobile applications can improve daily life, boosting sales, improving customer reach, and simplifying transactions.

The movement continued in Bauchi, where the campaign traced a wide path across the city, starting at Pali Suite in New GRA, passing through Government House Street, the Emir’s Palace, and several major markets including Wunti Market, Muda Lawal Market, GSM Village, and Central Market, before concluding along Kano Road. Each stop brought fresh conversations and growing curiosity about how digital tools can transform livelihoods.

What set the campaign apart was its energy and relatability. NYSC corps members, creative influencers, entertainers, and community leaders blended learning with lively engagement, translating complex digital concepts into everyday language. The result was a street-level digital conversation, accessible, practical, and rooted in real needs.

Behind the colourful marches and market demonstrations lies a clear national objective. The DL4ALL campaign advances key pillars of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), particularly in fostering digital literacy and talent development, expanding inclusive access to digital infrastructure, building strategic partnerships, and strengthening digital trust.

More broadly, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which targets 70 percent digital literacy by 2027.

For NITDA, the message is simple but powerful: digital transformation does not begin in boardrooms, it begins in markets, on streets, and in the hands of everyday Nigerians. And with DL4ALL, the journey toward a digitally empowered, innovative, and inclusive nation is gathering momentum, one community at a time.

Over three landmark events, ICEGOV 2025, the West African Digital Governance Forum (WADGov), and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) E-Governance Expert Meeting, Inuwa emphasised that Africa’s digital transformation must be driven by trust, collaboration, and a strong commitment to data sovereignty.

Hosted for the first time in West Africa, ICEGOV 2025 brought together ministers, regulators, development partners, and digital innovators from over 50 countries under the theme “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, he described digital governance as a social contract built on accountability and shared progress.

“Digital is not an accessory to development – it is its backbone,” he stated. “Africa’s digital sovereignty must be built on systems that protect our data, empower our people, and strengthen our capacity to innovate locally and compete globally.”

Despite accounting for nearly 18% of the world’s population, Africa contributes less than 1% to global data center capacity and cloud infrastructure – a gap that poses significant risks to the continent’s digital independence.

Inuwa emphasized that data sovereignty cannot exist without local infrastructure capable of hosting, processing, and securing Africa’s data.

He noted that strengthening domestic cloud capacity, encouraging local data hosting, and promoting regional interconnection are essential for achieving true sovereignty in the digital era. He underscored that Africa must build the systems to govern and protect its own data, rather than outsourcing its digital destiny to external actors.

At the West African Digital Governance Forum (WADGov), he called on member states to adopt shared frameworks that align with the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030).

He underscored the need for interoperable systems, cross-border collaboration, and open digital ecosystems that reflect Africa’s unique realities.

“When our services interconnect, our nations progress together. The real power of digital governance lies not in competition, but in cooperation,” Inuwa told regional delegates.

At the APRM E-Governance Expert Meeting, Inuwa urged African leaders to co-create a continental framework for measuring digital governance maturity that is uniquely African, people-centred, and grounded in transparency, inclusion, and accountability.

“E-Governance is not about automating bureaucracy; it is about humanising public service,” he said. “Citizens should experience government as moments of trust, registering a business in hours, accessing healthcare securely, or paying for services without barriers. When those moments work, trust grows; when they don’t, trust erodes.”

Throughout the week, Inuwa also showcased Nigeria’s achievements in building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – spanning identity, payments, and data exchange, and highlighted the Data Protection Act 2023, which institutionalises digital trust.

He cited over 126 million Nigerians now enrolled in the National Identification Number (NIN) system and referenced the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) and Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programmes as examples of Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive digital capacity building.

Inuwa concluded his remarks across the events by reiterating that Africa’s digital future will be written by Africans through collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility.

“The future of governance will be co-created, not imported. When we connect our systems and our hearts, we can deliver a generation-defining transformation in governance – one that citizens everywhere can see, feel, and trust.”

In reaffirming NITDA’s commitment to digital sovereignty, Inuwa noted that the Agency continues to work closely with regulators, operators, and development partners to localise data sustainably in Nigeria and across Africa.

He highlighted that NITDA’s efforts are guided by a vision of responsible data stewardship, one that ensures national data assets remain under sovereign control while enabling innovation, investment, and efficiency.

Through initiatives supporting local cloud adoption, compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, and the development of Digital Public Infrastructure, NITDA is laying the groundwork for a trusted and self-reliant data ecosystem that advances both national resilience and continental integration.

The successful hosting of ICEGOV 2025 in Abuja not only cements Nigeria’s position as a continental leader in digital governance but also signals a renewed commitment across West Africa to work together toward a digitally sovereign, inclusive, and trusted future.

The programme, a collaborative effort between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Cisco, was hosted at NITDA’s South West Zonal Office in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of Kashifu Inuwa, the director general of NITDA, Mrs. Chioma Okee-Agugwo, the head of the South West Zonal Office, described the initiative as a vital component of Nigeria’s digital future. “This is not just a closing ceremony. It is the launchpad for new journeys—anchored in digital knowledge and powered by innovation,” she remarked.

According to the Director General, the initiative is rooted in NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) and reflects key focus areas including Digital Literacy, Emerging Technologies, and Youth Empowerment. It also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation, innovation, and skills development.

Inuwa noted that the DL4ALL initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to digital inclusion—ensuring that no one is left behind in the evolving digital economy.

It also supports the ambitious goal of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027, championed by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

This national vision aims to equip millions of Nigerians with the skills required to thrive in a tech-driven world.

He further emphasized the importance of empowering youth with globally relevant skills. “They are no longer just consumers of technology. They are creators, innovators, and future employers,” he said.

The NITDA boss explained that throughout the bootcamp, participants engaged in hands-on learning experiences designed to build both technical proficiency and digital leadership capabilities.

“This is only the beginning,” he stated. “Through our zonal strategy, we are bringing innovation closer to local communities. This is how we democratise access and unlock Nigeria’s full digital potential.”

Inuwa expressed appreciation to Cisco for delivering high-impact training and called on stakeholders to continue investing in partnerships, people, and platforms that drive digital inclusion.

He asserted that the newly certified participants are now equipped to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital economy—armed with the skills to build solutions, secure infrastructure, and launch tech ventures that solve real-world problems.

At the end of the bootcamp, participants demonstrated their knowledge through impressive presentations that showcased the integration of skills acquired across Data Science, AI, and IT Essentials. Many spoke passionately about how the programme had expanded their technical competence and sparked a drive to create job opportunities—not only for themselves but also for others—as entrepreneurs and digital solution providers in their communities.

After concluding a pilot phase that reached over 150,000 participants in 12 states, the agency is now taking the initiative nationwide with one objective: to train at least 70% of the population with essential digital skills by 2027, and 95% by the end of the decade.

The DL4ALL programme is part of the Federal Government’s strategy to build a digitally capable society under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The stakes are high, and NITDA is treating this as a national emergency on digital illiteracy.

The structure of the training rests on six practical focus areas: Device and Software Operation, Information and Data Literacy, Communication and Collaboration, Digital Content Creation, Online Safety, and Problem Solving. 

Each area is built to offer hands-on, accessible instruction, targeting not just urban dwellers but also communities in remote locations where access to technology remains limited.

“We are building a future where no Nigerian is left behind,” NITDA said. That statement reiterates the agency’s current approach—direct, ambitious, and firmly rooted in collaboration with local governments, development agencies, and private sector partners.

Unlike previous initiatives that usually stagnated after launches, DL4ALL is designed to evolve. It goes beyond conventional training models, blending digital inclusion with national development goals. 

The idea is not to create millions of software engineers overnight, but to ensure that the average Nigerian understands the basics of digital tools well enough to function, grow, and even innovate within today’s economy.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has consistently pushed for measurable outcomes. Earlier this year, he unveiled plans to train 1.1 million residents in Enugu State alone by 2027, under the same programme. 

It’s part of a wider digital literacy agenda that includes the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative. According to him, “All training programmes of this administration are geared towards ensuring that 90% of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2030.”

Dr. Tijani also made it clear that this doesn’t mean the country is trying to produce 90% software engineers. “Being digitally literate does not mean that 90% of Nigerians will become tech talents,” he said. “It means they would be given the foundation to be able to choose to participate in the digital economy.”

That foundation is exactly what DL4ALL intends to provide; as the programme scales across the country, NITDA has promised to monitor progress, measure impact, and adjust where needed to ensure the outcomes are tangible and inclusive.

According to Inuwa, this forms part of efforts to reform the economy for sustained and inclusive growth.

He made the call during a courtesy visit by MTN Foundation delegation, led by Odunayo Sanya, the executive secretary, at the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

The Director-General emphasised the importance of synergy in fostering digital literacy and advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda of promoting industrialisation to create a dynamic and diverse economic landscape.

He noted that NITDA’s initiative, DL4ALL, aims to achieve 95% digital literacy across the country by the year 2027.

“This aligns with the Agency’s strategic pillar of fostering digital literacy and cultivate talents,” he noted.

Inuwa also highlighted NITDA’s dedication to developing a digital literacy framework based on UNESCO and DigiCom standards, adding that the Agency is collaborating with stakeholders to create a three-phase curriculum for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, with a focus on prioritising skills over certifications.

The MTN Foundation shares similar goals and currently offers online programmes featuring over 4,000 courses, with 2,000 young Nigerians already registered.

Sanya commended NITDA’s initiatives and invited the Agency to unveil its academy platform on April 17th of this year.

Both organisations have agreed to establish a committee to efficiently achieve their shared objectives.

This partnership is expected to drive digital literacy and capacity building in Nigeria, aligning with the country’s national development agenda.

The programme is in line with initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and competencies of government employees in navigating digital tools and technologies,

This initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

The programme aims to equip civil servants with the necessary skills to effectively utilise digital technologies, thereby improving their productivity and efficiency.

This is particularly important as digital transformation is fundamentally about people, and having a workforce that is proficient in digital tools is crucial for driving economic growth and development.

Kashifu Inuwa, the director general of NITDA, at the launch of a 3-day workshop on digital literacy training and certification for federal civil servants in Abuja, emphasised that digital transformation is a journey, not a destination, and it is fundamentally about people, not technology.

He stressed that without the active involvement and engagement of individuals, technology alone will not drive meaningful change.

He said,

“Technology makes our lives better, the government cannot accomplish that without you, as you are the one who creates the policies, designs the services, and delivers them to citizens”

The NITDA boss revealed that to reach the ambitious goal of 70% digital literacy by 2027, NITDA has launched an innovative initiative called Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) aims to empower Nigerians with essential digital skills, making them digitally literate and proficient in navigating the digital landscape.

He said,

“The first initiative to work with the Ministry of Education to develop digital literacy skills curriculum has been approved and we started the implementation this month. We are working now on training all teachers and collaborating with National University Commission, National Board for Technical Education, and National Commission for Colleges of Education, to infuse it in all tertiary institutions curriculum.

“The second one is working with NYSC to recruit 80 champions in each NYSC stream, every year we will train at least Ten million and three hundred thousand Nigerians on digital literacy. And the third one is the workforce readiness. According to world Bank, by 2030 between 35 to 45 percent of work in Nigeria will need digital competency,” he added.

Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, the representative of Head of Service of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, emphasised the importance of transforming the civil service into a dynamic, technology-driven, and globally competitive workforce, adding that the vision is a cornerstone of the Federal Service Commission’s strategy and implementation plan, which prioritises the journey towards a digitally literate civil service.

She maintained that the workshop is not just a training exercise, but a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of Nigeria’s public service.

“By acquiring cutting-edge tools and knowledge, participants will be empowered to deliver their mandate more effectively, driving meaningful change and progress in the country”, she averred.

While acknowledging that the partnership between the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and NITDA, serves as a shining example of collaboration in achieving shared goals, she expressed her gratitude to NITDA and other participating organisations for their roles in bringing this vision to life.

“This collaboration underscores the importance of working together to harness the power of digital technology and drive meaningful change in Nigeria’s public service,” she added.

The gathering, which is one of the flagship programmes under NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), focusing on grassroots engagement, and seeks to provide underserved communities with essential digital knowledge, empowering individuals to access opportunities in an increasingly digitally-driven world.

In his keynote address, Inuwa said, “you are the ambassadors of our shared vision to empower every Nigerian with the knowledge needed to navigate and excel in the digital economy. Your dedication and resilience will ensure that no Nigerian is left behind as we build a technologically driven, globally competitive economy.”

While reminding the champions of their critical role in actualising NITDA’s ambition to achieve short-term target of 70% digital literacy by 2027, and 95% by 2030, Inuwa emphasised that the goal inspire confidence, build capacity, and pave the way for a digitally inclusive society.

He added that the DL4ALL initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises innovation-driven economic growth, youth empowerment, and national prosperity.

Inuwa emphasised the far-reaching impact of the initiative, noting “this programme is not just an investment in individuals; it is an investment in our collective future. A digitally skilled workforce will not only transform our economy but also position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.”

“Through your efforts, we will empower millions of Nigerians to unlock their potential, embrace innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

“This is our collective responsibility. The digital future we envision for Nigeria begins with the work you will do in your communities. Let us commit ourselves to this cause, knowing that the seeds we plant today will yield a harvest of opportunities for generations to come,” he added.

He affirmed NITDA’s commitment to leading Nigeria’s digital transformation and fostering a future where no citizen is left behind.

The Director General’s remarks were met with enthusiasm by the champions, who expressed their readiness to serve as change agents in their assigned communities. For many, the initiative represents an opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives while gaining experience in leadership and community engagement.

As the champions prepare for deployment to various communities across Nigeria, their responsibilities are to impart knowledge, sensitise communities about the benefits of digital skills in everyday life, including financial inclusion through digital banking, leveraging e-commerce platforms for small businesses, and understanding cybersecurity essentials to navigate the digital space safely.

The Digital Literacy for All initiative is a movement that embodies the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility. It brings together key stakeholders, including NITDA, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the NYSC, and other strategic partners, all working towards the shared goal of fostering digital inclusion.

As part of the initiative, champions received intensive training to prepare them for the field. This training includes hands-on workshops on digital tools, effective communication strategies for engaging diverse audiences, and techniques for tailoring content to meet the specific needs of different communities.

As these champions embark on their journey, their efforts are expected to create a ripple effect that will transform lives and communities across Nigeria.