The Digital Skills & Green Innovation Hub for Youth Employment (DSGIH Borno Youth Hub 2026) was officially launched on Tuesday, 12th May 2026, at the ICT Block of Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, Borno State.
The youth-led initiative, supported by the Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF) of the European Union in partnership with Global Youth Mobilization (GYM), aims to equip young people with practical digital, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills to improve employability and community development.
The opening ceremony brought together youth leaders, invited dignitaries, media representatives, facilitators, and participants from different parts of Borno State.
The 8-month program will train 150 young people through a combination of physical and virtual sessions covering digital literacy, artificial intelligence, green innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technology skills.
PROJECT LEAD’S REMARKS
Speaking during the ceremony, Project Lead Musa Zanna Mustapha described the initiative as a direct response to the growing digital gap affecting many young people in the region.
“We did not build this programme from a position of comfort. We built it from frustration — watching brilliant young people in Borno locked out of an economy that was moving online. The question has never been whether our youth are capable. The question has always been: who will give them the structured pathway to get there? Today, we answer that question.”
He also challenged participants to remain committed throughout the training period:
“This programme will only work if you show up. Every session. Every virtual session. Every assignment. The skills you leave here with will not come from sitting and watching — they will come from doing.”
TECHNICAL LEAD’S REMARKS
The Technical Lead of the programme, Dr. Mustapha Bukar Gana, provided an overview of the training curriculum and emphasized the importance of consistency, discipline, and practical application of skills.
He assured participants that the programme was carefully designed for beginners and aspiring innovators, stressing that no prior technical experience is required to participate successfully.
The event featured the presence and support of notable personalities and facilitators, including:
Usman Aliyu, who anchored the event.
Babagana Mustapha Gambo, who attended as one of the notable instructors and green innovation experts supporting the programme.
Goodwill messages delivered during the event highlighted the importance of youth empowerment, technology, education, and innovation in rebuilding communities and creating sustainable opportunities for young people.
Participants expressed excitement about the opportunity to gain practical skills, mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure throughout the programme.
The DSGIH Borno Youth Hub 2026 is expected to run from May to November 2026 and will include workshops, mentorship sessions, innovation challenges, community projects, and entrepreneurship development activities.
The initiative contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 13: Climate Action
Organizers expressed appreciation to the Youth Empowerment Fund, the European Union, Global Youth Mobilization, Ramat Polytechnic, facilitators, partners, instructors, media organizations, and supporters for contributing to the successful launch of the programme.