BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, FEBRUARY 06, 2026 | 05:13 PM
The European Union has concluded a three-year digital skills programme that trained more than 18,000 women, youth, and persons with disabilities in Borno and Yobe states.
The initiative focused on reducing digital exclusion and expanding economic opportunities in communities affected by conflict and limited access to technology.
The programme’s close-out ceremony was held on Wednesday in Maiduguri, with participation from the European Union, implementing partners, civil society organisations, and state government officials.
Funded by the European Union with €750,000, the programme was implemented by ZOA International between 2023 and 2026 across 30 communities in the two states.
Speaking at the event, Massimo De Luca, head of cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said digital inclusion was critical to recovery and growth in fragile regions.
‘Digital inclusion is not a luxury; it is a necessity for resilience, innovation, and meaningful participation in today’s economy,’ De Luca said.
He noted that the initiative was designed to deliver practical skills that translate into jobs, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic stability.
‘Our focus is to ensure that skills and infrastructure lead to viable enterprises, job creation, and durable economic resilience within local communities,’ he said.
Providing an overview of the programme, ZOA programme manager Godwin Dominic said 18,193 people were trained, 32 IT hubs were established, and six schools were supported with digital learning facilities.
‘Beyond training individuals, the programme strengthened local systems by supporting a Digital Literacy Working Group to improve coordination and sustainability,’ Dominic said.
Representing the Borno State Government, the executive secretary of the Borno Information and Communication Technology Development Agency, Mohammed Kabir Wanori, said the programme aligned with the state’s development priorities.
Wanori said the initiative expanded access to digital skills for women and youth while supporting policies aimed at inclusive growth.
As the programme ends, partners said efforts would continue to sustain the digital infrastructure and skills developed to ensure long-term benefits for communities in North-East Nigeria.
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