Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, in Katsina, declared that his administration will work with relevant organisations to scale up digital transformation in the states of Northern Nigeria for sustainable development in the region.
Speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the second edition of the Arewa Tech Fest – Spotlight on Katsina, the governor stressed the need for stakeholders to collaborate in redefining Arewa’s story from a region of untapped potential to a beacon of innovation, skill, and opportunity.
Represented by his Deputy, Rt Hon Mohammed Auwal Jatau, Bala Mohammed informed the gathering that the Bauchi State Government had made a deliberate commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy that prepares young people not just to survive, but to lead in the digital space.
According to him, through the State Bureau for ICT, Bauchi has consistently prioritised the digital empowerment of youth and women, opening doors to new careers, expanding horizons, and preparing a generation for the demands of the 21st-century economy.
The governor stressed that, “The theme of this year’s gathering, ‘Innovative Arewa: Where Ideas Meet Impact,’ resonates profoundly with the direction we are charting in Bauchi State. The theme is more than a slogan—it reflects the spirit of our people, the power of our ideas, and our growing capacity to turn potential into progress.”
He added, “Across the Northern region, a new narrative is unfolding. It is one driven by digital empowerment, youth engagement, and an unrelenting commitment to inclusive development. Bauchi State stands as a shining example of this transformation.”
Bala Mohammed further stated, “At present in Bauchi, we are equipping our young men and women with digital skills that enhance employability, fostering entrepreneurship, and connecting them with global opportunities.
“From coding to digital marketing, and from data analysis to creative design, we are preparing a workforce that is ready to compete and contribute positively,” he added.
The Bauchi governor also noted that his administration had recognised the critical need to bridge the skills gap in vital sectors, leading to the establishment of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy—a centre of excellence designed to provide the skilled manpower necessary to accelerate oil and gas exploration and exploitation in the Northern region.
He added that, beyond exploration, the academy is a symbol of the state’s unwavering commitment to vocational and technical education, aimed at empowering youths with practical, high-demand skills that will enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy and national development.
He stressed, “My administration sees the empowerment of youth and women as a strategic investment because when our people thrive, our state and our region thrive.”
According to him, “When we combine technology, skills development, and inclusive governance, we create an ecosystem where ideas translate into impact—where innovation becomes a tool for equity and growth.”
Earlier, the convener of the programme and former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, called for support for the forum as it seeks to unlock the tremendous potential that lies across the Northern region, as contained in a statement by Muslim Lawal, Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor’s Office, Bauchi State.
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