The federal government has announced plans to establish digital technology hubs in 200 rural communities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, marking the first phase of its implementation.
Tokoni Igoin, Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, revealed the initiative in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
Igoin highlighted the transformative impact of technological advancements on the global economy, education, communication, and connectivity. He noted, however, that many rural communities in Nigeria still faced challenges due to limited access to critical digital infrastructure, which hindered their economic and educational growth.
“This ICT initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the development of the ICT sector alongside other key areas of Nigeria’s economy,” he said.
The aim of deploying the digital hubs, he added, is to accelerate business growth and diversification by integrating modern technology.
Project Coordinator Charles Folayan stated that the hubs would function as state-of-the-art innovation centres offering co-working spaces, incubation programmes, mentorship, and workshops.
These facilities are designed to empower start-ups, entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and individuals with disabilities by providing access to resources that promote creativity, skill development, and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
Igoin emphasised that the initiative seeks to prepare rural youth for the demands of the 21st-century economy, equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to contribute to economic diversification and local content development.
“The goal is to reduce unemployment, poverty, and social vices by fostering innovation, building capacity, and creating sustainable pathways for development,” he said. (NAN)