The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has said Nigeria is not just catching up with the rest of the world but is also poised to overtake them in terms of economy and technology.
He stated this on Tuesday when he launched the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, as part of Nigeria's strategy for digital transformation and leadership in Africa.
While in Jigawa, Senator Shettima had earlier launched the 4th edition of the Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic, disclosing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered that a grant of N150,000 should be given to each of the business owners in the state as the federal government's support to MSMEs across the country.
The VP noted that the N150,000 grant is an outright grant that does not require beneficiaries to repay.
Meanwhile, the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative, a partnership with tech company Gluwa, aims to train 1,000 Nigerians annually in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies.
Speaking during the launch of the Initiative at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Orientation Camp, Fanisau, Dutse, VP Shettima called on Nigerian youths to embrace the initiative, which he said is important for the nation's economic future.
"We are not merely catching up with the rest of the world; we are poised to overtake them. This initiative offers its beneficiaries the chance to become part of a global workforce, driving innovation that will shape our future," he said.
The Vice President noted Jigawa State's pioneering role in digital technology adoption, calling the programme "a homecoming ceremony for those who have eased our journey through the Fourth Industrial Revolution."
He also outlined the federal government's broader vision, saying, "We are adopting this initiative across the nation to create a network of tech hubs that will power Nigeria's economic growth for decades to come."
The VP commended the partnership with Gluwa, stating that it aligns with President Tinubu's agenda to revolutionize Nigeria's digital technology sphere.
He acknowledged Gluwa's significant impact, even as he applauded the firm for its empowerment of Aella Microfinance Bank, resulting in the disbursement of over N100 billion to two million Nigerians.
Addressing the global implications of the Initiative, Shettima said, "Our aspiration remains to transform Nigeria into a premier destination for technology outsourcing, creating a model that combines global expertise with local talent."
Earlier, Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, noted the importance of the initiative, describing it as a rare opportunity at the doorstep of the youths.
He called on the population to "venture into the Digital World of ICT Outsourcing and reap all the benefits that it offers, particularly in terms of job creation and opportunities to contribute to the growth of our economy."
Explaining that Jigawa has a history with ICT education, Governor Namadi said, "The State is blessed with hundreds of thousands of ICT-savvy and qualified youths in various fields of information and communication technology. This is courtesy of our very reputable Informatics Institute established more than two decades ago."
He said the new initiative aligns with both the federal government's Renewed Hope Agenda and Jigawa State's 12-Point Agenda, prioritising digital technologies and innovation.
Governor Namadi further announced the establishment of a new ICT & Digital Economy Agency, saying, "More than ever before, we are determined to reposition Jigawa State as a major ICT hub in Nigeria."
Earlier at the launch of the 4th edition of the Expanded National MSMEs Clinic in Dutse, Vice President Shettima said the N150,000 grant for each of the MSMEs as directed by the President was an outright grant that does not require beneficiaries to repay.
"Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has mandated that a grant of N150,000 each be awarded to outstanding exhibiting MSMEs at today's event. Rest assured that this is an outright grant, and the beneficiaries will not need to repay it," the VP declared.
The Expanded National MSME Clinics is one of the federal government's strategies for ease of doing business in Nigeria through a series of business forums organized across the country to provide on-the-spot solutions to challenges confronting MSMEs, with the first, second, and third editions launched in Benue, Ogun, and Ekiti States respectively earlier this year.
Speaking during the launch of the MSMEs Clinic on Tuesday in Dutse, Senator Shettima said, that as the very foundation of the nation's economy, the MSMEs sub-sector has remained a top priority of the Tinubu administration, noting that they not only represent 96 per cent of all businesses in Nigeria and contribute over 45 per cent to its GDP but also provide a crucial lifeline to 80 per cent of the nation's workforce.
"We recognise your essence, and that's why we are establishing MSME clinics across the nation. These clinics will act as incubators for small businesses and offer alternative financing. They will also ensure that you have the support and resources you need to compete and thrive," he added.
Noting that the prosperity of small businesses is the prosperity of Nigeria and their downturn is the downturn of Nigeria, VP Shettima urged the business owners not to harbor any fear, saying the Tinubu administration will not rest until each of them is in a vantage position to access the support and capital made available for them.
Earlier in his remarks, Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, thanked the Federal Government for providing dividends of democracy for the people of the state through the MSME Clinics and related projects scattered across the area.
Governor Namadi urged existing and aspiring small business owners in the state to take advantage of services provided through the Clinics, describing the initiative as a rare opportunity for operators in the sector in the state.
He said the state government is aligning with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda through the 'Greater Jigawa' initiative that provides social protection services and projects for the people.
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The high point of the event at the Mallam Aminu Kano Triangle was the inspection of exhibition pavilions by MSMEs in the State and the commissioning of the Jigawa Retail Empowerment Shops.
Earlier on arrival in Dutse, the VP, who was received by the Governor and other dignitaries, proceeded to the Sumore Farm in Madobi where he commissioned the 10-Hectare, Solar-powered irrigation farm.
He commissioned the 1,435 J-AGRO Agricultural Extension Agents and the distribution of agricultural inputs under the NG CARES Fadama Programme, benefiting over 26,000 individuals, with 30 percent being women.
The VP also flagged off the Palliative Shop initiative at Yalwawa before proceeding to the Dutse Ultra Modern market where he commissioned a 120KVA Solar Plant.
Senator Shettima said the solar unit is to ensure "that the entire market receives a minimum of eight hours of electricity per day during market hours."
Present at the AI Expertise Blockchain & Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative and the Jigawa Expanded National MSME Clinics were Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna and Nasir Idris of Kebbi State; Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Farouq Lawal Jobe; Deputy Governor of Sokoto, Idris Mohammed Gobir, and Sen. Malam Madori representing Jigawa North East Senatorial District.
Others are Secretary to Jigawa State Government (SSG), Malam Bala Ibrahim; Head of Civil Service of Jigawa State, Muhammad Dagaceri; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sen. Mustafa Makama; members of the State Executive Council; the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sunusi, and the Emir of Hadejia, Dr. Abubakar Maje, among many others.
