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 Jos North Council Secretariat in Jos attracted government officials, development partners, technology experts, community leaders, youth groups, and more than 200 hundreds participants selected across all wards of the council for the training programme.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Christopher described digital skills as one of the most valuable assets in today’s technology-driven world, stressing that the initiative was designed to equip young people with practical knowledge that would enhance their employability, entrepreneurship, and participation in the global digital economy.
According to the chairman, the training programme aligns with his administration’s vision of creating opportunities for young people and reducing unemployment through capacity development and innovation.He noted that the world is rapidly transitioning into a knowledge-based economy where digital competencies have become essential for success in virtually every sector. He therefore urged beneficiaries to take the training seriously and maximize the opportunity provided by the council.

“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. We want our young people to become creators of opportunities rather than seekers of opportunities,” he stated.
Hon. Christopher further explained that the initiative forms part of the council’s broader agenda to promote technology-driven development, improve access to digital opportunities, and position Jos North as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The chairman also highlighted previous efforts by his administration to strengthen information and communication technology infrastructure within the council, including the establishment of ICT facilities aimed at improving service delivery and digital governance.

In their goodwill messages, representatives of partner organizations and ICT experts Kenule Africa (Legit) commended the Jos North Local Government Council for investing in human capital development. They noted that digital literacy and technology-related skills have become critical tools for economic growth, innovation, and job creation.

The training programme is expected to expose participants to various areas of digital technology, including computer literacy, digital marketing , online productivity tools, digital entrepreneurship, cybersecurity awareness, content creation, data management, Graphics design, website design and more as Explained by Kenole Africa Legit the partner Team for the Training.
Participants expressed appreciation to the council for providing the opportunity, describing the programme as timely and impactful. Many noted that the training would improve their chances of securing employment, starting businesses, and competing effectively in an increasingly digital world.

The flag-off ceremony also featured goodwill messages from from, The Commissioner of Science Technology and Innovation Dr Cletus Bako Shirkuk who appreciated the Chairman for making this initiative a reality because empowering youths with digital skills is one good way of creating employment as it is one of The present Government’s key objective of making plateau a digital incline state.

The Director of Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA) Engr Dantong Dominic also expressed his gratitude to the Chairman of Jos North for being the first Local Government Chairman on the plateau to empower young people with digital skills and also make sure that the council staff are all well equipped with digital knowledge. He went forward to encourage the participants to take advantage of what they will learn and also put it into practice.

The CEO of Blockfuse Lab Mr Peter emphasized on their efforts to make sure that the participants get the best digital skills that will make them successful in life and help place them on a pedestal where they will make money practicing what they will be learn..

Plateau Youth Council Chairman of Jos North Com Paul Mancha also gave his voice by appreciating the executive Chairman of Jos North for taking it upon himself to empower the youths of Jos North with digital skills as this program will do a lot of reducing unemployment in communities and the state at large.

Other Observers described the initiative as a significant step towards addressing youth unemployment and bridging the digital skills gap within Jos North and Plateau State at large.
With the successful launch of the programme, beneficiaries are expected to undergo intensive 1 month training sessions that will equip them with practical and market-relevant digital competencies, positioning them for greater productivity and economic empowerment.

The event concluded with the official declaration of the training programme open by Hon. John Kyohroh Christopher, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youths and fostering sustainable development through education, technology, and innovation.