Ten months after the barbaric invasion of a multi-billion naira ICT complex in Kano, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) on Wednesday re-commissioned the digital hub designed to train youths across the Northwest geopolitical zone.

The ICT industrial park, constructed and fully equipped with high-impact technological facilities by NCC, was ready for commissioning a few days before the nationwide 1st August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest obstructed the plan.

Unfortunately, the demonstration was subsequently hijacked by hoodlums who took the needless opportunity to invade public and private facilities, including the ICT park, where they destroyed computers and other valuables.

Speaking at the re-commissioning of the facility after re-equipping, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, tasked the youth to take advantage of the centre to build ICT skills for a better future.

Dr. Tijani described the rebuilt facility as a national digital asset that must be owned and protected by the youth, regretted the ugly incident that led to the vandalisation of the multi-billion naira ICT hub.

The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s plan to engage three million youths in technical and digital training, insisting that young people in Kano have no excuse for remaining idle with the opportunities available in the ICT sector.

Dr. Tijani emphasised President Bola Tinubu’s policy framework to widen opportunities in the digital economy for young general to build a career, adding that the ministry is partnering with international ICT agencies to provide opportunities for younger generations to tap into.

NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the Digital Industrial Park is a landmark project of NCC and a testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as his administration’s commitment to accelerating ICT innovation, strengthening research capabilities, and driving the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

He said technology is one of the most powerful drivers of economic development, which remains one of the hopes for leapfrogging development.

“The concept behind the Digital Industrial Park is rooted in our 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.

“The park, equipped with broadband connectivity and reliable power supply, will serve as a catalyst for innovation by providing a platform for digital innovators and entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into tangible products and prototypes,” Dr. Maida said.

On his part, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf applauded the Federal government for the re-commissioning of the facility, which he said would lay the foundation for a vibrant digital future for generations.

Governor Yusuf, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussam, disclosed his administration’s plan to create digital literacy for 3,000 youths before 2027.

The governor also revealed a partnership with NITDA to train 5,000 civil servants in ICT skills, as part of the digital and innovation plan.