Kwara: NIPSS lauds Abdulrazaq on digital economy, youth employment

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 46 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, have lauded the governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on the promotion of digital economy, youth empowerment and sustainable job creation in the state.

The participants gave the commendation at the end of their tour of some strategic institutions and facilities in the state.

WESTERN POST reports that the participants visited the International Vocational and Technology Centre (IVTEC), Ajase- Ipo, Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete and Landmark University, Omu- Aran, amongst others.

The participants who were led by Air Vice Marshal A.I Adamu, said they were impressed by the state of the art facilities in the institutions.

They said the facilities at IVTEC showed the commitment of the governor to vocational training, noting that the graduates of the centre will not only become self- employed, but employers of labour.

Speaking during a meeting with the NIPSS delegation at the Governor’s Office in Ilorin, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Alh Bashir Adigun, asserted that digital economy presents unlimited opportunities for youth empowerment and sustainable job creation.

” With the right skills and mindset, our young people can thrive in this new landscape, creating innovative solutions, and driving economic growth.

” Governr AbduRahman AbdulRazaq recognizes the youth as the driver of development.

“In other words, for us in Kwara, the youths are not leaders of tomorrow but our present leaders who are in the fore front of driving the growth of the state. This can be seen in the number of young people and women in government.

“As a matter of fact, youths constitute overwhelming majority of political appointees in this state by deliberate policy of His Excellency . Oour Governor, our leader, has been recognized locally and internationally for this remarkable achievement” he said.

” On assumption of office, our uncommon governor saw this and embarked on projects that will harness the potentials of the Youths. Just a walking distance from where we are, there is a digital innovation hub dedicated for tech startups, digital naturals and training of young people in different information technology programmes to equip them for global tech jobs. The first of its kind by any state government in Nigeria.

“We also have a digital dolby studio for Nollywood film production. The Governor observed that even when the world recognizes the Nigerian youths as major film producers in the continent, only few of these films make it to major film festivals like Cannes in France and Fespaco in Burkina Faso in West Africa, because of the poor quality.”

The Media Adviser said that Kwara is on record in Northern Nigeria as the trail blazer in modern digital film production studio, adding “We have the Sugar Film factory. There is also the Visual arts Centre which provides the platform for the youths and adults to showcase their visual arts talents in such a way that it will be documented and digitally preserved for future exhibitions”.

He said the Governor’s social investment programmes target industrious young people to develop their businesses and reduce unemployment in the state, adding ” This involves pitching of business ideas and the best ideas are selected digitally irrespective of political affiliations”.

“We also have new Eyenkorin Industrial park in which our State is partnering with a foreign firm for generation of 5000 megawatt of electricity supply .

” In addition, we will soon flag off a smart city in the state capital intended to leverage effectively on technology for provision of basic facilities in line with sustainable development goals .

“The foregoing are parts of innovative strategies of Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq to transform the State from analogue to a thriving digital economy and open the State for foreign investors, “Adigun stated .

The State Focal Person on NSIP, Dr Rabiat Alabere and the Acting Chairman of KWASSIP, Dr AbdulWasiu Tejidini also highlighted various interventions of the governor in their respective offices.