In celebration of resilience, inclusion, and digital empowerment, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) marked the graduation of staff from the Skills Acquisition Institute for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kano State. The event crowned a two-month intensive journey where participants were equipped with essential skills in digital literacy, safeguarding policy, financial management, and proposal writing. It wasn’t just the end of a training, it was the beginning of a new chapter in amplifying the voices and capacities of persons with disabilities across the state.
The event began with a welcome remarks from Malam Isah Garba, Senior Programme Officer at CITAD, who represented the Executive Director. He thanked guests for their attendance and highlighted the importance of inclusivity, stating that meaningful inclusion must extend to persons living with disabilities. He noted that the delay in hosting the event was to ensure full stakeholder participation and reiterated CITAD’s commitment to creating access and opportunities for marginalized groups through digital empowerment.
The graduation attracted several dignitaries including representatives from the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and various disability associations. Among them were Hajiya Aisha Haruna, Alhaji Abdullahi Sa’ad Jibril, His Royal Highness Alhaji Lawan Ibrahim Sarkin Guragu of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Musa Kura, Hajiya Halima Sada, and Alhaji Usman Bello Bari. Their presence added significance to the ceremony and underscored the broad support for CITAD’s initiative.
Speaking on the objectives of the training, Hamza Aminu Fagge praised the collaboration between CITAD and the Skills Acquisition Centre. He emphasized that the training was entirely free and aimed to equip participants with the skills to better manage their institutions, access funding, and drive growth. He noted that progress is truly measured by how society supports its most vulnerable, and that the initiative was a step toward meaningful inclusion of PWDs in digital development.
Goodwill messages from stakeholders reaffirmed this commitment. His Royal Highness, Sarkin Guragu, urged beneficiaries to apply their new skills responsibly, stressing that knowledge should be used to uplift others. Alhaji Musa Kura acknowledged CITAD’s support over the past 12 years and pledged continued collaboration. The Ministry of Information expressed its support through Hajiya Aisha Haruna, while Alhaji Jibril, representing Professor Rufa’i Ahmad, encouraged PWDs to feel fully included and confident in their abilities. Hajiya Halima Sada offered free digital education to interested PWDs in Kano through her platform. Similarly, Alhaji Usman Bello Bari emphasized the need for PWDs to be part of the digital transformation era, especially in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Beneficiaries of the training shared emotional testimonials. Saifullahi Yusuf Sulaiman expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained in leadership, partnership development, and project funding. Hisbullahi Abdullahi Bichi reflected on how the training broadened their vision and shared plans to expand the initiative to other regions. He also mentioned ongoing skill workshops at the institute in areas such as catering, ICT, and shoemaking, while calling for sustained support from the public and private sectors.