NOA, Partners Launch “Make It Digital Bauchi”to Train 20,000 Youths, Women

By Nasir SHU'AIBU Bauchi

NOA, Partners Launch “Make It Digital Bauchi”to Train 20,000 Youths, Women

By Nasir SHU'AIBU Bauchi 

In a bold step toward digital inclusion and economic empowerment, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Bauchi State Directorate has launched the “Make It Digital Bauchi” initiative - a transformative program designed to equip over 20,000 youths and women with essential 21st-century digital and entrepreneurial skills.

Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony in Bauchi, the State Director of NOA, Alh Nasiru Mahe said the project marks a “defining moment in our collective quest for a digitally empowered society and national cohesion.”

According to him, the initiative represents a landmark collaboration between Mega Created Global Technology, Mega Farm Solutions Limited (MFSN), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), with support from several development partners.

“We are democratizing access to digital knowledge and creating new pathways for our youth and women to thrive in the digital economy,” the NOA Coordinator stated. “Through this partnership, Bauchi is entering a new era of innovation, using artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analytics, and agritech to drive sustainable development.”

Mahe emphasized that the program aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which identifies technology as a key driver of economic growth and national transformation.

In his remarks, Project Manager, Ibrahim Doda, described Make It Digital Bauchi as a large-scale empowerment and capacity-building initiative designed to “bridge the urban-rural digital divide” and “promote inclusive access to digital opportunities.”

Doda explained that the program targets individuals aged 17 to 40 years, including both educated and semi-skilled participants, and will provide training in digital literacy, ICT, agritech, and entrepreneurship.

He noted that the training will feature both online and physical sessions across the state’s 20 local government areas, lasting three to four weeks with daily practical lessons, mentorship, and project-based learning.

According to him the project will focus on practical and employable digital skills such as: 1. Digital Agriculture: Using technology to enhance farm productivity, connect with online markets, and improve agribusiness operations. 2. Digital Literacy: Basic computer skills, internet navigation, social media management, and online business operation. 3. Digital Catering: Leveraging technology for branding, marketing, and expanding food and catering enterprises.

He explained that the articipants who successfully complete the training will receive certificates of completion and may also qualify for financial support, including access to grants and soft loans through partner financial institutions.

The project’s gender focus aims for 70% women participation and 30% youth participation, reflecting a deliberate effort to empower women as digital entrepreneurs.

He further explained that registration for the program is currently ongoing both online and offline at the NOA Bauchi Office, Federal Secretariat Complex, and across all local government NOA offices.

Doda urged government agencies, NGOs, private sector organizations, and development partners to collaborate with the initiative to scale its impact and ensure sustainability.

“This is more than just a training program,” he said. “It is a transformative movement that seeks to equip our people with the skills and confidence to compete and succeed in today’s digital economy. Together, we can make Bauchi State a model for digital inclusion and innovation.”

The event was attended by representatives of government ministries, technology firms, youth organizations, and the media, who pledged their support to the digital empowerment drive.

NOA State Director, Alh Nasiru Mahe while breafing journalists ahead of the Flagging off orientation on 1st November in Bauchi.