Press Release, Government House, Katsina
IYD 2024: “We Are Transforming Clicks Into Opportunities,” Ag. Governor Jobe
As the world marks International Youth Day 2024, the Acting Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, has reaffirmed the government commitment to leveraging digital technology for youth empowerment and sustainable development, saying, “We are transforming clicks into opportunities for Katsina Youth.”
The year 2024 International Youth Day is being observed under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development“.
Acting Governor Malam Jobe emphasized the state’s dedication to creating digital pathways for its youth. “Our administration recognizes the crucial role of digital literacy and access in shaping a sustainable future for our young people” he stated. “We are actively working to bridge the digital divide and empower our youth with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
Malam Jobe highlighted the state’s recent strides in digital infrastructure development, pointing to the establishment of the Katsina Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (KATDICT) as a cornerstone of this effort. “KATDICT represents our commitment to institutionalizing digital transformation and promoting innovation among our youth” he explained.
Going further, Malam Jobe emphasized the alignment of the state’s digital initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “By integrating ICT into our development strategy, we are creating unprecedented opportunities for our young people to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.”
Malam Jobe also pointed out the state’s ongoing investments in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), with a focus on AI and machine learning. “These cutting-edge technologies are not just buzzwords for us,” he said. “They represent real opportunities for our youth to develop skills that are in high demand globally.” Adding that, “Through initiatives like SMART Katsina, we are ensuring that our youth are not just consumers of digital content, but creators and innovators in the digital space.”
The Acting Governor, Malam Jobe, however, noted the recent success of the “Katsina Impact Convergence on ICT and SDGs” event as evidence of the state’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development. “This convergence has set the stage for increased collaboration between our government, development partners, and the private sector, all aimed at creating digital pathways for our youth,” he said.
As Katsina State joins the global community in celebrating International Youth Day, the Acting Governor called on all stakeholders to support the state’s digital initiatives. “With our joint efforts, we can harness the power of digital technology to create a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for our youth and for Katsina State as a whole,” Malam Jobe concluded.
Media Directorate
Katsina State Government House
– 11th August, 2024
