BY: NEWS EDITOR, FEBRUARY 06, 2026/ 04:17PM
The European Union has concluded a three-year digital skills promotion programme aimed at empowering women, hard-to-reach youth, and persons with disabilities in Borno and Yobe States.
The programme, funded by the EU with €750,000, was implemented by ZOA International from 2023 to 2026.
The initiative focused on bridging the digital gender gap, expanding access to digital skills, and strengthening community-level capacity in fragile contexts.
Over 18,000 individuals were trained, 32 IT hubs established, and six schools equipped with IT services.
A Digital Literacy Working Group was also formed to strengthen coordination and sustainability.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, EU's Massimo De Luca emphasized the importance of digital inclusion in conflict-affected regions.
'Digital inclusion is not a luxury; it is a necessity for resilience, innovation, and meaningful participation in today's economy.
'Through the Global Gateway strategy, the European Union is backing practical, people-centred digital transformation that responds to local realities and leaves no one behind,' he said.
Engr. Mohammed Kabir Wanori, Executive Secretary of the Borno Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA), commended the programme for complementing state development priorities and strengthening opportunities for women and youth.
The programme's outcomes are expected to support inclusive economic participation and community resilience in North-East Nigeria.
The EU and partners have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the digital infrastructure, skills, and local capacity developed through the initiative.