Sokoto State unveils ICT expansion plan for rural children

The Sokoto State Government has unveiled plans to establish Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres across the state’s three senatorial zones to ensure that children in rural areas have equal access to computer literacy and digital skills.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto disclosed the initiative during the commissioning of the Bakhita ICT/CBT Centre at the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, an event jointly presided over by himself and former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Aminu Haliru Dikko, the Governor highlighted the vast opportunities ICT presents in areas such as cybersecurity, software engineering, and digital entrepreneurship.

[caption id="attachment_186161" align="aligncenter" width="768"] The Sokoto State Government has unveiled plans to establish Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres across the state’s three senatorial zones to ensure that children in rural areas have equal access to computer literacy and digital skills. Image credit: Sokoto State Govt.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_186162" align="aligncenter" width="768"] The Sokoto State Government has unveiled plans to establish Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres across the state’s three senatorial zones to ensure that children in rural areas have equal access to computer literacy and digital skills. Image credit: Sokoto State Govt.[/caption] He also underscored his administration’s commitment to digital inclusion, noting that Sokoto was the first state to establish a Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy in Nigeria, alongside assenting to the law creating the Sokoto Information and Communications Technology Development Agency (SICTDA).

He commended the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto for its role in advancing the state’s educational and technological growth, noting that ICT has become critical to both education and economic development worldwide.

“Some of the steps we have taken include equipping schools with computers and ICT gadgets to promote digital literacy from the basic education level and strengthening the Ministry of Digital Economy for improved efficiency,” Governor Aliyu said.

He also underscored his administration’s commitment to digital inclusion, noting that Sokoto was the first state to establish a Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy in Nigeria, alongside assenting to the law creating the Sokoto Information and Communications Technology Development Agency (SICTDA).

Calling for collaborative efforts, he appealed to wealthy individuals and stakeholders to invest in ICT to complement government initiatives aimed at building a digitally empowered society.

The commissioning ceremony drew dignitaries including Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Bashar Umar Kwabo, Commissioner of Innovation and Digital Economy. Officials say the event reflects Sokoto’s growing resolve to strengthen ICT initiatives and accelerate digital innovation across the state.