NYSC unveils ICT centre in rural Kaduna

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, on Tuesday unveiled a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Centre in Kagarko, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Kagarko is a local government area bordering Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, less than 30 minutes’ drive from Bwari Area Council.

Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of the groundbreaking event, the DG emphasised the significance of the ICT centre, which is in partnership with Wema Bank, stating that it would complement the existing Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Development (SAED) centre and provide a vibrant resource for corps members and local communities.

He noted that additional centres have been approved for Delta, Anambra, and Ondo states, deliberately located in rural areas to address technological disparities.

“The centre aims to support entrepreneurs and empower organisations and communities, with a focus on developing global ICT icons from rural areas.

“The facility is expected to be completed within two months and will provide training for 90 persons per session.

“Similar centres are also planned for Delta, Anambra, Ogun, and Ondo states.

“The initiative is part of Wema Bank’s efforts to promote technology and innovation in Nigeria, with the goal of making the country a hub for AI in Africa,” he said.

The DG highlighted the potential for collaboration with the nearby secondary school, thereby enabling students to access the centre’s resources, which will prepare them for external examinations that are computer-based.

“Now, there is a secondary school located just opposite this place. That means with collaboration with the centre, the students there can cross over to the place to learn.

“So for this facility to be here in the hinterland, it will augment the government’s efforts in carrying everyone along in the technology space,” he added.

The Chairman of Kagarko Local Government, Muhideen Abdullahi Umar, assured the NYSC and Wema Bank of his readiness, in partnership with security personnel, to secure and maintain the facility upon completion.

“As a son of the land, we will ensure the security and maintenance of the place. We are not going to allow this centre to be used anyhow.

“We are going to form a community-based security team who will be manning the place,” he promised.