Borno ICT Agency Receives National Recognition for Digital Human Capital Development

By Ibrahim Umar,

Kanempress News,

14th The Borno State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA) has been named the first runner-up in the Digital Technology Human Capital Development category at the 12th National Council on Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (NCCIDE). This prestigious event, which recently concluded in Makurdi, evaluated 23 states through a pe

Kabiru Wanori, Executive Secretary of BICTDA, celebrated this achievement, emphasizing the agency’s rapid progress within its eight-month existence. “Our agency was assessed across three categories: e-Governance, Infrastructure, and Human Capital Development. Emerging as the first runner-up in Human Capital Development underscores the success of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in promoting digital literacy across Borno’s 27 local government areas,” Wanori stated.

The theme of the 12th NCCIDE was “Accelerating the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence through Policy and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.” The forum aimed to leverage AI for Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Faruk Yusuf Yabo, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to digital transformation during the opening technical session. He highlighted the potential of AI to significantly accelerate the country’s development agenda and economic growth.

The NCCIDE serves as a vital platform for stakeholders to discuss and formulate policies and strategies to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation. Attendees included state ICT and Digital Economy Commissioners, federal representatives, industry experts, and private-sector leaders. The forum emphasized collaboration and reviewed existing policies to align with global trends, addressing challenges such as infrastructure deficits and digital skill gaps.

Building on discussions from the previous NCCIDE meeting in Kano, this year’s forum focused on fostering partnerships and innovation. Key outcomes included:

• Policy Alignment: Updating policies to reflect global technology trends and national priorities.
• Strengthening Collaboration: Promoting partnerships between federal and state governments and private-sector stakeholders.
• Overcoming Barriers: Developing strategies to address challenges hindering Nigeria’s digital economy, such as infrastructure deficits and skill shortages.

BICTDA’s recognition highlights the state’s growing influence in Nigeria’s digital economy. Wanori attributed the award to Borno’s strategic focus on human capital development, particularly in equipping youth with essential digital skills. “This recognition motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for Borno and Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” Wanori added.