By Editor, Published on 11 months ago
In a major step to transform public service delivery, the Borno State Government has kicked off a week-long ICT capacity-building workshop for civil servants from 19th to 23rd May 2024, organized by the Borno State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA) in collaboration with NITDA.
Declaring the workshop open, the Head of Service, Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze, who represented Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, said:“One of the cardinal goals of this administration is to leave behind a transformed, tech-driven civil service. This workshop is timely, and government will fully support BICTDA to deliver on its mandate.”
The training, hosted at the Multipurpose Hall of Borno State Hotel in Maiduguri, brings together ICT Desk Officers from MDAs across the state.
Hon. Ali Kotoko, Member Representing MMC and Chairman House Committee on Information, highlighted the legislature’s quick support:
“We passed the law establishing this agency within three weeks. Come 2026, we will ensure even greater budgetary support so the agency can grow.”
Welcoming participants, Dr. Mustapha Tijjani, LOC Chairman, described the workshop as more than a training event:“This is about building trust in digital governance. It’s about equipping our civil servants to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Borno.”
BICTDA’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Mohammed Kabir Wanori, revealed that over 10,000 citizens have already benefitted from digital literacy programs under the agency.
“We’ve set up 22 ICT centres, launched the Borno Rescue Management System, and reached over 500,000 people with cybersecurity campaigns. We are building a digital future, and this workshop is part of it,” he said.
Barrister Garba Musa Chibok, who represented the Secretary to the State Government, praised the Governor’s foresight:“The choice of Engr. Wanori was spot-on. This agency has hit the ground running and Borno is taking its rightful place in Nigeria’s digital space.”
The workshop covers digital literacy, cybersecurity, e-governance, artificial intelligence in public service, and blockchain for governance, among others. Expert facilitators from NITDA, Nexaura Solutions, CIATECH Africa, and academia are delivering sessions.
Participants are expected to return to their agencies as digital ambassadors.“Take what you learn and apply it,” Dr. Ghuluze urged. “This is how we build a smarter Borno.”
