Former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Ali Sa’adu Birnin Kudu has urged Nigerian youths to embrace digital innovation as a direct route to job creation and greater economic security. Speaking at the 7th Annual General Meeting of Muryar Birnin Kudu at the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Birnin Kudu, he highlighted practical areas where digital skills can produce immediate employment opportunities.
digital innovation Nigeria can turn job seekers into employers
Birnin Kudu said skills in information technology, agricultural technology, e-commerce and the creative industries could reduce unemployment and drive sustainable growth across Nigeria. “The digital economy offers young people the opportunity to become employers of labour rather than job seekers,” he said, adding that targeted investments in training and incubation would allow young entrepreneurs to scale viable businesses.
He appealed to governments at all levels and to the private sector to prioritise digital education, innovation hubs and start-up support. Such measures, he argued, would help convert ideas into employable products and services, and strengthen local economies in Jigawa and beyond.
Also addressing the meeting, APC chieftain Hon. Farooq Adamu Aliyu urged youths to channel their energy into legitimate investments within their communities. He warned that recent demonstrations which have turned destructive undermined public and private investments, worsening unemployment by destroying infrastructure and livelihoods.
“Investing in local enterprises and protecting community assets are essential if we are to create jobs and sustain growth,” Aliyu said. His comments highlighted the link between social stability and economic opportunity, an issue of rising concern in several regions of the country.
The chairman of Muryar Birnin Kudu, Ahmad Sa’id Kangire, reported the organisation had recorded significant gains in education, healthcare, agriculture and youth development. He renewed calls for stakeholders — including politicians, traditional rulers, government officials and business leaders — to expedite the take-off of the Federal College of Education, Birnin Kudu, a project recently approved by the Federal Government.
Kangire also appealed for federal support to reconstruct the Wudil–Kari road, a major artery linking Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Adamawa states. He cited its poor condition and the attendant risk to lives and property, noting that reliable infrastructure is vital to protect investments and allow businesses to thrive.
Local government chairman Hon. Muhammad Uba pledged the council’s backing for the Muryar Birnin Kudu initiative and said the council would support programmes aimed at sustainable development and youth empowerment.
Observers say the emphasis on digital innovation Nigeria-wide aligns with broader efforts to modernise economies and expand employment in technology-driven sectors. For young Nigerians, improving access to digital training and start-up support could offer a practical route out of unemployment and a means to build local industries.
As stakeholders consider next steps, the meeting made clear that combining investments in human capital, infrastructure and local enterprise protection will be crucial to turning the promise of the digital economy into tangible jobs and lasting economic resilience.
Key Takeaways:
- Former Jigawa governor calls on youths to adopt digital skills to create jobs and become employers of labour; focus on IT, agri-tech, e-commerce and the creative industries.
- He urged government and private sector investment in digital education, innovation hubs and start-up support to translate ideas into sustainable businesses.
- Local leaders highlighted development priorities including the Federal College of Education take-off and the reconstruction of the Wudil–Kari road to protect investments and livelihoods.
