Kaduna State Set To Become Nigeria’s Leading IT Hub – Deputy Governor
By Hussaina Yakubu, Kaduna
Kaduna State is on course to becoming a major hub for technological innovation and business excellence, the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe said on Wednesday.
She said that the state government has been strengthening partnerships and enhancing digital infrastructure to drive growth in the sector.
The deputy governor, who made this known during the Arewa Ladies 4Tech Alumni Hangout in Kaduna, emphasised that the government has been prioritising broadband expansion and other critical infrastructure to position the state as a center for innovation.
“Only a few weeks ago, our Governor and Kaduna State received the Broadband Infrastructure Excellence Award from the National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN) for pioneering broadband-friendly policies,” Dr Balarabe stated.
According to her, in the current reality of transformative impact of technology, the digital revolution must be embraced wholeheartedly.
She commended ArewaLadies4Tech and its partners for empowering women in the tech industry, and noted that their efforts would not only change individual lives but also advance Kaduna State and Nigeria’s technological landscape.
Beyond technology, she assured that Governor Uba Sani’s administration is committed to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in recognition of their vital role in economic growth and development.
“We are dedicated to providing women with the necessary resources, infrastructure, and policies to drive innovation, inclusive growth, and global competitiveness,” she added.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai, celebrated the success of the ArewaLadies4Tech initiative, which has trained over 5,000 women in technology.
“This event is more than a celebration of individual achievements; it marks our collective progress in advancing technology and innovation in Kaduna State,” she said.
The commissioner thanked Data Science Nigeria (DSN) and Google.org for their support, along with other stakeholders working to empower women in Science, Technology and Mathematics.
“Your commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity is groundbreaking. You are not only shaping the future of technology but also inspiring young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM),” she remarked.
Mrs. Fakai reiterated that technology is the foundation of economic development and social transformation, noting that Governor Uba Sani has been intentional about promoting digital inclusion, particularly for women.
“Through strategic collaborations like ArewaLadies4Tech, we can bridge the gender gap in technology, enhance digital literacy, and empower more women to become leaders in this field,” she said.
According to her, with these initiatives, Kaduna state is positioning itself to become a leader in digital economy through fostering an environment that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.
