Katsina Governor, Dikko Radda has unveiled an ambitious vision to transform the State into a leading hub of technology and innovation in Northern Nigeria.
The Governor made this known during the launching of Arewa Tech Fest 2024 a two-day major technology fiesta held in Kano State from September 25th – 26th, 2024.
Governor Radda emphasized the state’s commitment to creating a future where technology empowers every citizen and drives economic growth.
He stated “In Katsina, we are committed to crafting a future where technology and innovation fuel our growth, our economy, and the opportunities we create for our young people.”
According to him,this vision is anchored in the “Building Your Future Strategic Policy Framework, a blueprint aimed at positioning Katsina as a center for digital transformation”.
The Governor added that central to this vision is the establishment of the Katsina Directorate of ICT (KATDICT), tasked with leading the state’s digital transformation efforts.
Governor Radda highlighted KATDICT’s role in equipping the state with the necessary infrastructure, policies, and human capital for a digital revolution, declaring “Through this institution, we are laying the foundation for a tech-driven Katsina.”
The Governor placed significant emphasis on human capital development, announcing that 68 young Katsina indigenes have been awarded scholarships to study Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology at world-class universities abroad.
“We are not just building individuals; we are building the future leaders of our tech-driven economy,” Governor Radda declared, underscoring the administration’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
In a move to boost digital infrastructure, Governor Radda revealed that the state has waived all Right-of-Way charges to encourage investment in fiber-optic networks.
“Today, major telecommunications companies and technology players are laying fiber-optic cables across our state, connecting our communities and providing the backbone for businesses, learning, and government services to go digital,” he said.
The Governor highlighted the implementation of 12 forward-thinking policies designed to create an enabling environment for innovation and attract investment. He stressed the importance of these policies in fostering entrepreneurship and unlocking the potential of Katsina’s youth.
Governor Radda explained “Through our many E-Government initiatives, we are creating more efficient, streamlined services that cut down waiting times, improve transparency, and bring governance closer to the people.”
Looking to the future, the Governor announced plans for a Unified Government Portal and a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to further streamline government operations and improve service delivery. He also unveiled the Data Revolution Masterplan, positioning Katsina as a state driven by evidence-based governance.
Earlier, the Convener of Arewa Tech Fest and the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, stressed that technology offers Nigeria immense opportunities for problem-solving innovation. He, however, charged Nigerians not to just talk about the amazing things happening in the tech sector.
“We must make real efforts to provide resources needed to create, build and deploy technology to rapidly accelerate human capital development and promote economic prosperity,” El-Rufai said.
The Kano State Government, Katsina State Government, Zamfara State Government, Niger State Government, KK Kingdom, IHS Tower Nigeria, Afreximbank, Outsource Global Resource among others are acknowledged by the Convener Malam El-Rufai for sponsorship and partnership.
On his part, the 16th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to economic development and education.
The Royal father declared “Think of a value chain and remember that technology is not an end in itself.”
He also urged stakeholders to consider the broader implications of technological advancement and skill acquisition, stressing the futility of education without proper economic integration.
“Even in training human beings, if you train a software engineer and he doesn’t find a job, you’ve wasted your time,” he emphasized.
Emir Sanusi further elaborated on the need for strategic planning in human capital development, particularly for the youth in Northern Nigeria, declaring “So even as you begin to train this northern young man, this northern young woman, have the endgame in sight.”
The Emir emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors, stating, “This is where you need collaboration between governments, private equity investors, entrepreneurs, and society like us.”
The Emir concluded his remarks by calling for concerted efforts to create employment opportunities, saying, “We need to bring these young people and put them together with these kinds of initiatives and see how we can get them employed in every part of Kano.”
In his closing remarks, Governor Radda called for collective effort in realizing this vision.
“This is not just my vision; it is our vision,” he stated, inviting investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators to join in Katsina’s tech-driven journey.
“Together, we will transform Katsina into a leading hub of technology and innovation in Northern Nigeria,” the Governor concluded, reaffirming his belief in the talent of Katsina people and the bright future ahead.
The event, an initiative of Afri-Venture Capital brought together policy makers and dignitaries within and outside Kano State, including Sen. Afolabi Salisu, Chairman Senate Committee on Innovation and Cyber-Security.