The Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, Hon. Bar John Kyohroh Christopher, has officially flagged off the Jos North Digital Skills Training Programme, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and digital transformation.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Jos North Council Secretariat on Monday 22 June 2026, attracted government officials, development partners, ICT experts, community leaders, youth groups, and more than 200 participants drawn from all wards of the local government area.
Digital skills as a tool for empowerment
Speaking at the event, Christopher described digital skills as essential assets in today’s technology-driven world, stressing that the initiative is designed to equip young people with practical knowledge to improve their employability, entrepreneurship, and participation in the global digital economy.
He noted that the programme aligns with his administration’s broader vision of reducing unemployment through capacity building and innovation, urging beneficiaries to take the training seriously and maximize the opportunity.
“Digital skills are no longer optional; they are a necessity. Through this programme, we are investing in our youths and preparing them for the future,” he said. “We want our young people to become creators of opportunities rather than seekers of opportunities.”
Building a digital economy at the local level
The chairman further explained that the initiative forms part of efforts to position Jos North as a hub for technology-driven development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He also highlighted previous steps taken by his administration to strengthen ICT infrastructure, including the establishment of digital facilities to improve service delivery and governance.
In their goodwill messages, ICT experts and partners commended the council for investing in human capital development, noting that digital literacy remains critical for economic growth and job creation.
Training areas and partner support
According to representatives of Kenule Africa (Legit), participants will be trained in computer literacy, digital marketing, cybersecurity awareness, online productivity tools, content creation, graphics design, website development, data management, and digital entrepreneurship.
They emphasized that the programme is structured to provide hands-on skills that can translate into income-generating opportunities for beneficiaries.
Stakeholders commend initiative
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Cletus Bako Shirkuk, who praised the initiative, describing youth digital empowerment as central to the state government’s goal of building a digitally driven economy.
The Director-General of the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), Engr Dantong Dominic, also commended Jos North LGC for being the first local government in the state to undertake such large-scale digital empowerment for youths and staff. He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained for productive ventures.
The CEO of Blockfuse Labs, Peter, assured participants of quality training that would equip them with industry-relevant skills capable of creating sustainable income opportunities.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, Jos North chapter, Comrade Paul Mancha, commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would help reduce unemployment and youth restiveness in the area.
Towards a digital future
Participants expressed appreciation to the council, describing the programme as timely and impactful, with many noting that it would improve their chances of employment and entrepreneurship in a rapidly evolving digital world.
The training is expected to run for one month, during which participants will undergo intensive, practical sessions aimed at equipping them with market-relevant digital competencies.
The event concluded with the official declaration of the programme open by Hon. Christopher, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people and promoting sustainable development through education, technology, and innovation.
