Vice President Shettima Says Nigeria Will Surpass Global Peers In Economy, Technology

Vice President Kashim Shettima noted that Nigeria was all set to overtake other countries in the fields of economy and technology.

Speaking on Tuesday at the launch of the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital as part of Nigeria's strategy for digital transformation and leadership in Africa, he claimed that Nigeria will soon surpass all global peers, as per the State House's official website.

The AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative, in partnership with the tech company Gluwa, aims to train 1,000 Nigerians each year in artificial intelligence, blockchain and other advanced technologies.

During the event, Shettima announced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a N150,000 grant for each business owner in the state. This grant is a direct financial aid that does not need to be repaid.

"We are not merely catching up with the rest of the world; we are poised to overtake them. This initiative offers its beneficiaries the chance to become part of a global workforce, driving innovation that will shape our future," he said, as per the State House's official website.

The vice president noted Jigawa State's pioneering role in digital technology adoption, calling this initiative a "homecoming ceremony for those who have eased our journey through the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

He also shared the federal government's larger plan of adopting this initiative across the nation to create a network of tech hubs to build a network of tech hubs that will drive Nigeria's economic growth for many years.

Shettima praised the partnership with Gluwa, noting that it supported Tinubu's goal to transform Nigeria's digital technology sector. He recognized Gluwa's significant contributions and praised the company for helping Aella Microfinance Bank distribute over N100 billion to two million Nigerians.

"Our aspiration remains to transform Nigeria into a premier destination for technology outsourcing, creating a model that combines global expertise with local talent," he said.

Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi also spoke during the event and highlighted the importance of the initiative.

He urged the state people to "venture into the Digital World of ICT Outsourcing and reap all the benefits that it offers, particularly in terms of job creation and opportunities to contribute to the growth of our economy."

Namadi said the new initiative fits with both the federal government's Renewed Hope Agenda and Jigawa State's 12-Point Agenda, which focus on digital technologies and innovation.