By Segun Adewale, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohamed has declared that his administration will work with relevant organisations to scale up digital transformation in the states of Northern Nigeria for sustainable development in the region.
Speaking as a Special Guest of honor at the 2nd Edition of the Arewa Tech Fest – Spotlight on Katsina on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025, the Bauchi Governor stressed the need for stakeholders to work together with a view to redefining the story of Arewa from a region of untapped potential to a beacon of innovation, skill, and opportunity.
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, Governor Bala Mohammed told the gathering that the Bauchi state government had made a deliberate commitment of building a knowledge-driven economy that prepares youth to not just survive, but to lead in the digital space.
According to him, through the State Bureau for ICT, Bauchi has consistently prioritized the digital empowerment of youth and women with opening doors to new careers, expanding horizons, and preparing a generation for the demands of the 21st-century economy.
“The theme of this year’s gathering, “Innovative Arewa: Where Ideas Meet Impact,” resonates profoundly with the direction we are charting in Bauchi State. The theme is more than a slogan. It reflects the spirit of our people, the power of our ideas, and our growing capacity to turn potential into progress.
“Across the Northern region, a new narrative is unfolding. It is one driven by digital empowerment, youth engagement, and an unrelenting commitment to inclusive development. Bauchi State stands as a shining example of this transformation.
“We are at the moment in Bauchi, equipping our young men and women with digital skills that enhance employability, fostering entrepreneurship, and connecting them with global opportunities. From coding to digital marketing, and from data analysis to creative design, we are preparing a workforce that is ready to compete and to contribute positively.
The Bauchi Governor said his administration has since recognised the critical need to bridge the skills gap in vital sectors, hence the establishment of the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy, a center of excellence designed to provide the skilled manpower necessary to accelerate oil and gas exploration and exploitation in Northern region.
He added that beyond exploration, the academy is a symbol of the state’s unwavering commitment to vocational and technical education so as to empower youth with practical, high-demand skills that will enable them to participate meaningfully in economy and in national development.
“My administration sees the empowerment of youth and women as a strategic investment. Because when our people thrive, our state and our region thrive. And when we combine technology, skills development, and inclusive governance, we create an ecosystem where ideas translate into impact—where innovation becomes a tool for equity and growth.”
Earlier, the convener of the program and former Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i called for support to the forum as it is unlocking the tremendous potential that lies across the Northern region.
