The Gombe State Government on Tuesday intensified efforts to build a modern, technology-driven public service with the commencement of a Digital Literacy Training Programme for civil servants across the state.
The training, organised by the Gombe State Information Technology and Digital Economy Commission (GOSIDEC) in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is aimed at equipping public servants with the digital skills and competencies required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Speaking at the inauguration of the programme, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, said the programme is in line with the commitment of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration to creating a digitally empowered workforce capable of delivering efficient, transparent and citizen-centred services.
According to him, rapid technological advancements have fundamentally transformed governance and public administration, making digital literacy an indispensable requirement for every public servant.
“The world is undergoing unprecedented technological transformation, and governments across the globe are leveraging digital solutions to improve efficiency, transparency, accountability and responsiveness in service delivery. Our civil servants must therefore possess the requisite digital skills to effectively navigate this new reality,” he said.
Professor Njodi noted that the collaboration between GOSIDEC and NITDA came at a critical time when governments are increasingly relying on technology to improve governance outcomes and enhance service delivery.
He stressed that Governor Inuwa Yahaya has consistently prioritised digital transformation and human capital development as key drivers of the state’s socio-economic advancement, adding that the administration remains committed to building a civil service that is innovative, efficient and fit for the demands of the digital age.
Also speaking, the Head of Civil Service, Professor Mu’azu Shehu, described digital literacy as a strategic necessity for modern governance, noting that digital competence not only enhances productivity but also strengthens the ability of public institutions to prevent and respond to cyber threats.
He urged participants to take advantage of the training to improve their knowledge and skills in emerging technologies and their practical application in public administration.
Professor Shehu commended GOSIDEC and NITDA for initiating the programme, assuring that the state government would continue to deploy technology-driven solutions to block leakages, improve efficiency and promote transparency and accountability in governance.
Also speaking, the acting Head of Training at NITDA’s zonal office, Engr. Yakubu Musa, said digital literacy has become a prerequisite for relevance and productivity in today’s workplace.
He observed that civil servants occupy a strategic position in policy implementation and service delivery, making continuous capacity building in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) imperative.
According to him, the partnership between NITDA and GOSIDEC is designed to empower the state’s workforce with the digital skills necessary to drive innovation and improve the quality of public service delivery.
In a goodwill message, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Abubakar Hassan, represented by Deputy Director Hauwa Mohammed, described the training as timely and forward-looking, noting that investment in digital skills is ultimately an investment in the future of the public service.
Earlier, the Director-General of GOSIDEC, Dr. Al-Amin Barambu, said the training marks another milestone in the state’s journey towards digital transformation and the creation of a knowledge-driven public service.
He explained that digital literacy has become a fundamental tool for productivity, innovation and effective governance, as technology continues to shape every aspect of human endeavour.
Dr. Barambu commended NITDA for its commitment to promoting digital inclusion and capacity development nationwide, reiterating that the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya remains resolute in its vision of building a technologically advanced and globally competitive civil service.
The training programme is expected to equip participants with practical digital skills that will enhance efficiency, improve public service delivery and accelerate Gombe State’s transition into a digitally enabled government.
