May 21, (THEWILL) – The Sokoto State Government has promised to support all programmes and initiatives undertaken by the United Nations International Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) and its partners in the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu made the pledge while inaugurating the Digital Village for Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls in Sokoto State.
The initiative, which is the first of its kind, is designed to empower 150 Almajiri boys and 100 girls in its first phase, equipping them with essential digital and vocational skills to become active and productive members of society.
The Governor, in his speech, described the Digital Village as a “game changer” for youths in the state, as it will empower them on their quest for digital literacy.
He also said the project would equip them with the skills needed to succeed in the modern economy.
“We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower our children with knowledge and skills for a brighter future”, the governor assured.
The governor granted the UNICEF request to provide security and electricity for the newly built facility, as well as to look into the N500 million counterpart fund to support other projects implementation in the state.
In his address, UNICEF Country Representative, Ms Cristian Munduate, represented by Michaela Jima, Chief of Field Office, Sokoto, said the initiative is targeted at enhancing learning opportunities for vulnerable children.
“It will be delivered in local languages, with a curriculum covering digital literacy, vocational training, foundational literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
She added that the approach is tailored to the needs of these underserved groups, equipping them to thrive in today’s tech-driven world”, she said.
Munduate also noted that the programme reflects UNICEF’s commitment to bridging the digital divide for vulnerable children and adolescents.
She assured continued collaboration with the Sokoto government to support interventions that protect children from violence, neglect, and exploitation.
Other speakers at the ceremony underscore the importance of the digital village as it will integrate digital literacy, vocational training, technological innovation, and life skills development.
The digital centre was funded by ELEVA Foundation while the Warehouse and Nutrition Policy component is funded by USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance.
While the Sokoto State Government provided the infrastructure, UNICEF remodelled and fully equipped the facility.
