NITDA Partners With Katsina State to train MSMEs
Na’ankwat Dariem
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) have trained 50 indigenes of the state to transform their businesses by leveraging digital technology.
The three-day capacity building and empowerment programme was held in Katsina State, North-West, Nigeria and was aimed at improving the adoption of digital tools by Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state, the training will help ensure that MSMEs leverage technologies to increase efficiency in their business goals.
The event was tagged NITDA Digital Empowerment for MSMEs (NDE4M) and had the theme “Leveraging Digital Technology to Improve MSME’s Business.”
The Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Farouk Lawal Jobe who declared the event opened, described the commitment of the participants to harness technology to unlock the potential of their businesses as commendable.
He urged them to make “proper utilisation of the knowledge they would acquire from the training.”
Mr. Jobe said “In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, your decision to embrace innovation will undoubtedly propel your businesses to new heights of success. By leveraging digital tools and strategies, you are not only positioning yourselves for growth but also contributing to the overall advancement of the MSMEs sector,” he said.
While assuring the participants of the state’s support and encouragement for embarking on the transformative journey, the state Deputy Governor enjoined them to unlock the full potential of MSMEs through digital innovations that would pave way for a brighter and prosperous future.
“I encourage you to approach this programme with enthusiasm, an open mind, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Please, embrace the knowledge and insights shared and apply them diligently to your business endeavours. Remember, innovation knows no bounds, and with determination and perseverance, you can achieve remarkable results,” he advised.
He commended NITDA for its foresight in selecting the state for the programme adding that it would offer the beneficiaries the opportunity to engage in profitable and modern ways of starting digitally inclined businesses.
The NITDA Director General, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, who was represented by the Director, the Digital Economy Development Department, Dr Salisu Kaka noted that “Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are essential to the growth of any economy because they have a significant potential to create jobs, advance local technology, diversify output, foster homegrown entrepreneurship, and integrate with large-scale industries.”
He said NITDA has taken decisive steps to fortify MSMEs through strategic interventions and dedicated programs adding that the agency has championed digital literacy campaigns, delivered capacity-building workshops, and facilitated access to tailored technology-driven solutions.
“These initiatives are testaments to NITDA’s steadfast dedication to empowering MSMEs to navigate the digital terrain more effectively.”
He disclosed that NITDA has been collaborating with the Office of the Vice President to participate in the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinics which underscores the agency’s commitment to supporting MSMEs, equipping them with IT knowledge and guidance.
In her welcome remarks, the KASEDA Director General, Aisha Aminu Malumfashi said the training is dedicated to exploring and transforming the powers of digital innovation in empowering SMEs which are the bedrock of every developing economy.
“Throughout the course of this programme, we expect to delve into the various facets of digital innovation and explore practical strategies that will assist the MSMEs to embrace and leverage all these technologies effectively,” she said.
