PpFormer Kaduna State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, has called on governors in Northern Nigeria to adopt technology-driven policies and expand digital literacy across their states.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully deploy technology in the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai made the remarks in Abuja during the premiere of Fasahar Zamani, a 12-episode Hausa-language digital technology series produced by Blue Sapphire Hub with funding from the UK International Development agency.
The series is aimed at closing the digital knowledge gap in northern Nigeria and includes English subtitles to broaden its reach.
The former governor expressed concern that the region continues to lag in technology use and innovation.
He encouraged state governments to identify emerging digital talents and provide them with startup capital and structured training so they can build solutions and generate employment.
“Northern Nigeria has not fully embraced the realities of the tech age.
“This series will help young people and their parents understand why adopting technology is essential as we advance into the AI era, ” he said.
He explained that he has already been supporting tech-focused initiatives such as Arewa TechFest and urged governors to scale up such efforts.
“The next step is for Northern state governments to find promising tech entrepreneurs and support them financially so they can develop ideas that create jobs and put Nigeria firmly on the global technology map,” he added.
The Country Lead for the UK Government’s Global Digital Access Programme, Idongesit Udoh, said the project was created to ensure that marginalised groups especially women, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities, were not left behind as Nigeria’s digital economy expands.
He noted that the digital sector remains Nigeria’s fastest-growing economic segment and a major contributor to GDP, but significant gaps still exist in access and inclusion.
Founder of Blue Sapphire Hub, Maryam Lawan, described Fasahar Zamani as a tool for driving innovation, inclusion and technology awareness through relatable storytelling.
She said the episodes highlighted real-life digital applications, from tools for farmers and medical practitioners to content addressing social issues such as gender-based violence.
“Each episode shows how technology can open doors, transform communities and improve lives across northern Nigeria.
“We want people to view technology not just as social media, but as a pathway to learning, earning and personal growth, ” she said.
