By Abdulazeez Mala (9NEWS NIGERIA, GOMBE STATE)
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed his government’s commitment to domesticating the National Startup Act ( NSA) of 2022 to foster innovation and digital economy growth in the state.
The governor made this declaration during the stakeholders’ engagement on the domestication of the NSA under the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), held at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe.
Represented by the Speaker, Gombe State House of Assembly, Mohammed Abubakar Luggerewo, the governor said that his government has prioritized science, technology, and innovation by establishing a ministry and appointing skilled professionals to drive the development of local talent and boost the state’s economy.
He said a bill on information and communication technology is currently before the State Assembly, having already passed its first and second readings.
He expressed confidence that the bill will soon be enacted into law and will provide legal support for all government policies to ensure consistency and sustainability.
The governor assured of the state government’s commitment to supporting the domestication and implementation of the Startup Act in the state.
He emphasised the Act’s potential to generate employment and reduce youth restiveness.
“The youth are our greatest asset, and we are committed to harnessing their potential to benefit both the state and the nation,” he stated.
Speaking in his capacity as the Speaker, Luggerewo assured of Gombe State House of Assembly’s full support to ensure the bill becomes law.
In his goodwill message, the commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Adamu Inuwa, represented by Permanent Secretary, Modi Shelpidi, noted that the NSA is in line with Governor Yahaya’s vision of empowering youth through education, skill development, and job opportunities with the goal of reducing restiveness, criminality, and unemployment.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Development Partner Coordination, Dr. Ishiyaku Babayo, represented by the Focal Person for Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE), Saifullahi Ibrahim Waziri, emphasized the immense potential of technology to drive economic growth and improve lives.
Earlier in his welcome address, ONDI Team Lead, Hassan Idris explained that the programme is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established by NITDA to promote digital innovation and economic growth.
He explained that the engagement aimed to bring together stakeholders to ensure the effective domestication of the National Startup Act in Gombe State, considering the state’s unique needs and opportunities.
Speaking, the acting vice chancellor of Gombe State University, Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta, expressed the university’s support for the domestication of the NSA, as it would provide opportunities for young graduates to pursue their careers and become job creators.
Professor Yauta commended the state government for its support for innovation and entrepreneurship activities towards promoting selfreliance and creativity especially among youth.
Recall that earlier this year, Governor Yahaya launched the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI) in Gombe and commissioned a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centre with the capacity to accommodate 2,000 individuals.
This BPO center represents a significant opportunity for job creation and skill development, particularly for the youth of in the state and beyond.
