From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosum Tijjani, has tasked Nigerian youths to make use of access and opportunities of the digital age to better their lives and contribute to nation building.
Tijjani spoke in Kano at the commissioning of the Nigerian Communication Commission’s North West Digital Industrial Park, which was vandalised by protesters during the #Endbadgovernance# protest on August 1, 2024.
“You have no excuse. You should not sit around and ask what your government and parents can do for you. You live at a time when you are connected to the world and knowledge is available to you wherever you find yourself as long as you have access and opportunity to a centre like this” he stated.
The Minister expressed pains at the destruction of the Park by the protesters, saying, “I saw the pictures of the destruction and it was actually young people that I saw who were involved in the destruction. It was extremely painful.
‘But, I didn’t allow the pains and anger to get the better part of me. I immediately looked around to get in touch with companies to revive the Park because I didn’t want bureaucracy to keep this project noncommissioned again,” he recalled.
He implored the people to do whatever it takes to protect the Park, stating that by protecting it, “We are protecting a platform for our young people to help build the society that we have once dreamt of.”
Earlier, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Aminu Maida expressed delight to have situated the Park in Nigeria’s centre of commerce, saying it was a testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and an indicator of the administration’s commitment to accelerating ICT innovation, strengthening research capabilities and driving the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
He explained that the concept behind the Park was rooted in their vision to promote innovation and digital entrepreneurship within the ICT sector, while supporting research and development by transforming ideas into market-ready solutions.
“Our goal is to establish a thriving ecosystem where cutting-edge ICT infrastructure supports the Federal Government’s efforts to make digital services accessible and inclusive across Nigeria.
He indicated that the Commission was also implementing three other Digital Industrial Parks in Ogun, Borno and Enugu states, adding: “These parks are equipped with state-of-the-art computers, smart networking systems, collaborative workspaces and hands-on training facilities to nurture the next generation of digital pioneers.
“Beyond the infrastructure, we have also engaged skilled technical and managerial personnel to operate the Digital Industrial Parks; they would work with students enrolled in industrial training, apprenticeships and skills development programmes.”