Digital Literacy: Niger Trains 2000 Market Men, Women and Youths

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Niger State Government on Tuesday carried out the training of over 2000 market men, women and youths on digital literacy.

This is just as the government pledged to keep the data base of the participants for intervention in its NG: Cares programme.

The Commissioner for Communication Technology and Digital Economy, Alhaji Sulaiman Isah, addressing the participants at the Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, said the programme was organised to bring them at par with modern ways of transacting business.

Sulaiman Isah added that the era of traveling several kilometers to buy goods for sale was over urging the participants to avail themselves of the opportunities provided by the training to open new horizons in transacting business.

Saying no matter how small the business enterprise was “digitalization will expand and boost your trade” and reduce the drudgery of road travels.

Isah also noted that adopting technology in their businesses will protect them from bandits and armed robbers adding that: “this training is to expand your businesses and markets”.

The commissioner disclosed that more follow up trainings will be organised for the participants to further boost their horizons.

Also addressing the participants, Alhaji Ahmed Gwada, a senior official in the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises announced that details of the participants will be put in the NG:Cares Data Base to enable them  benefit in the next batch of the governments grant for women and traders.

According to Alhaji Ahmed Gwada, government had already released N50,000 each to 10,000 people under the programme adding that the next phase of the grant which is “free” will be for 20,000 participants.

“The money is free the portal will soon be opened. If you don’t know how to access the portal ask your children to help you; don’t give money to anyone,” Gwada declared.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Musa, urged the participants to continue to give their support and cooperation to the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for the success of the government.

“This is your government; the training is to expand your businesses. Continue to give your support to the administration” Yakubu declared.

The programme themed: Digital Literacy Training for Market Traders and Artisans in the Chanchaga Local Government Area was coordinated by Mr. Safyanu Musa, a graphic designer, visual artist and digital marketer.

It was attended by the Commissioners for Information and Strategy, Hajia Binta Mamman and that of Small and Medium Enterprises, Mrs. Elizabeth Saba among others.