The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has called on National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who are championing the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative to intensify their efforts in educating and training Nigerians about the transformative potential of digital literacy in forming the country’s future. This is a bold step in closing the country’s digital divide and promoting an inclusive digital economy.
The event is one of the main initiatives of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which emphasises grassroots involvement and aims to equip marginalised communities with critical digital skills so that people can take advantage of opportunities in a world that is becoming more and more digitally driven.
In his keynote address, Inuwa said, “You are the ambassadors of our shared vision to empower every Nigerian with the knowledge needed to navigate and excel in the digital economy. Your dedication and resilience will ensure that no Nigerian is left behind as we build a technologically driven, globally competitive economy.”
Inuwa underlined that the aim inspires confidence, builds capacity, and paves the path for a digitally inclusive society, while also reminding the champions of their crucial role in realising NITDA’s desire to attain the short-term target of 70% digital literacy by 2027 and 95% by 2030.
He went on to say that the DL4ALL campaign was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places a high priority on youth empowerment, innovation-driven economic growth, and national prosperity.
Inuwa underlined the initiative’s wide-ranging effects, noting, “This programme is not just an investment in individuals; it is an investment in our collective future. A digitally skilled workforce will not only transform our economy but also position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.”
“Through your efforts, we will empower millions of Nigerians to unlock their potential, embrace innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“This is our collective responsibility. The digital future we envision for Nigeria begins with the work you will do in your communities. Let us commit ourselves to this cause, knowing that the seeds we plant today will yield a harvest of opportunities for generations to come,” he added.
He affirmed NITDA’s commitment to leading Nigeria’s digital transformation and fostering a future where no citizen is left behind.
The champions enthusiastically responded to the Director General’s words, stating that they were prepared to act as change agents in their designated communities. For many, the project offers a chance to positively impact people’s lives while developing leadership and community involvement skills.
The champions’ duties as they get ready to deploy to different communities throughout Nigeria include educating the public about the advantages of digital skills in daily life, such as financial inclusion through digital banking, utilising e-commerce platforms for small businesses, and comprehending cybersecurity fundamentals to safely navigate the digital world.
One effort that exemplifies the attitude of cooperation and shared responsibility is Digital Literacy for All. To promote digital inclusion, it unites important players such as the NYSC, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, NITDA, and other strategic partners.
Champions underwent rigorous training as part of the program to get them ready for the field. Interactive workshops on digital technologies, successful communication tactics for interacting with a variety of audiences, and methods for customising information to fit the unique requirements of various communities are all included in this course.
It is anticipated that as these champions go out on their mission, their work will have a cascading impact that will change communities and lives throughout Nigeria.
