The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving as champions for the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative to intensify their efforts in educating and sensitising Nigerians about the transformative power of digital skills.
The initiative, one of the flagship programmes under NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), focuses on grassroots engagement and aims to provide underserved communities with essential digital knowledge. The goal is to empower individuals to access opportunities in an increasingly digitally-driven world.
In his keynote address, Inuwa stated, “You are the ambassadors of our shared vision to empower every Nigerian with the knowledge needed to navigate and excel in the digital economy. Your dedication and resilience will ensure that no Nigerian is left behind as we build a technologically driven, globally competitive economy.”
He reminded the champions of their crucial role in helping NITDA achieve its short-term target of 70% digital literacy by 2027, with the ultimate aim of reaching 95% by 2030. Inuwa emphasised that the initiative’s goal was to inspire confidence, build capacity, and pave the way for a digitally inclusive society.
He also highlighted the alignment of the DL4ALL initiative with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises innovation-driven economic growth, youth empowerment, and national prosperity.
“This programme is not just an investment in individuals; it is an investment in our collective future. A digitally skilled workforce will not only transform our economy but also position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy,” Inuwa remarked.
“Through your efforts, we will empower millions of Nigerians to unlock their potential, embrace innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he added.
Inuwa urged the champions to see their work as a collective responsibility, stressing that the digital future of Nigeria begins with their efforts in local communities. “Let us commit ourselves to this cause, knowing that the seeds we plant today will yield a harvest of opportunities for generations to come,” he said.
He reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to leading Nigeria’s digital transformation and ensuring that no citizen is left behind.
The Director General’s remarks were met with enthusiasm by the champions, who expressed their readiness to serve as change agents in their assigned communities. For many, the initiative represents an opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives while gaining experience in leadership and community engagement.
As the champions prepare for deployment to various communities across Nigeria, they will be tasked with imparting knowledge and sensitising communities about the benefits of digital skills. This includes promoting financial inclusion through digital banking, leveraging e-commerce platforms for small businesses, and understanding cybersecurity essentials to navigate the digital space safely.