FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – Governor Abdullahi Sule has flagged off a major digital empowerment initiative aimed at expanding economic opportunities for young people across Nasarawa State by commissioning and distributing 50 solar-powered digital kiosks to beneficiaries under the Sule Economic Empowerment and Development Scheme (SEEDS).
The event, held at the state popular Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute, Lafia, attracted top government officials, including Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, traditional rulers, representatives of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), MTN, youth leaders, and beneficiaries from across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Sule described the initiative as a strategic investment in digital inclusion, entrepreneurship and job creation. He disclosed that the 50 kiosks represent the pilot phase of a larger plan to empower 1,000 youths with modern digital business tools capable of generating sustainable income.
The governor praised the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, for conceiving the project and noted that the decision to manufacture the kiosks locally at the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute further promotes local content and skills development.
Governor Sule revealed that each kiosk costs ₦2.5 million and is equipped to provide digital services even in remote communities. He explained that government would monitor the performance of the first batch over the next three to four months before expanding the programme to 1,000 beneficiaries.
According to him, the state has the financial capacity to scale up the project if beneficiaries demonstrate commitment and proper utilization of the facilities.
He expressed confidence that each kiosk could generate as much as ₦200,000 monthly for its owner, describing the initiative as a practical pathway to wealth creation that exceeds the proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, said the SEEDS project aligns with Governor Sule’s vision of promoting technology-driven entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic development.
He explained that beneficiaries emerged through a transparent selection process and had already undergone a two-day intensive training in Akwanga to prepare them for managing the digital business Centres effectively.
Lead Consultant of the project and Managing Director of Pinnacle Hi-Tech Kech Media Limited, Mr. John Uzor, said the solar-powered kiosks are fitted with internet connectivity, POS terminals, printing facilities and e-marketing platforms. The kiosks will provide services including JAMB and WAEC registration, electricity bill payments, DSTV and GOtv subscriptions, bank account opening, debit card issuance, hotel and flight bookings, as well as airtime and data sales.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Solomon Egye Amos from Doma Local Government Area described the initiative as life-changing, assuring the governor that the kiosks would be put to productive use.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of symbolic ₦100,000 dummy cheques and the transfer of ₦100,000 start-up grants into each beneficiary’s Moniepoint account to support the take-off of their digital enterprises.
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
