The Federal Government, working in partnership with Clergywealth Cooperative Society Limited, has announced plans to equip at least 100 million Nigerians with digital literacy skills.
This was disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during the inauguration of the Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) for the National Conference on Digital Literacy and the unveiling of the Clergywealth Digital Skills Nigeria Initiative.
Akume, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office in the Office of the SGF, Dr Ibrahim Kana, explained that the initiative is designed to expand digital knowledge, enhance human capital development and drive inclusive digital transformation across the country.
According to him, the programme aligns with key national frameworks, including the Federal Government’s Digital Transformation Agenda, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the initiative is being executed under the Future Proof Economy (FPE) Model and aims to train and certify one million Nigerians in its initial phase. Akume clarified that while the programme enjoys policy backing and institutional support from the government, it is fully funded and implemented by Clergywealth Cooperative Society Limited.
“The Federal Government has no financial obligation, budgetary allocation or funding responsibility for this programme,” he stated.
The SGF further revealed that the initiative is strengthened by resolutions reached at the 13th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) meeting held in December 2025, where the FPE Model was adopted as the official framework for implementing digital literacy nationwide.
He added that the Joint Implementation Committee would be responsible for coordinating the National Digital Literacy Conference as well as supervising the nationwide rollout of digital literacy and emerging technology skills training. The ICT Department of the Office of the SGF, he said, would serve as the committee’s secretariat.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy National Coordinator for Administration and Public Communications at Clergywealth, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, said the conference was structured to create awareness on the importance of digital skills while also offering practical, hands-on training.
She explained that the programme would cover areas such as basic digital literacy, digital tools usage, online safety, digital entrepreneurship and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Osikoya disclosed that each training cycle would last six months and feature multiple learning modules, with participants awarded internationally recognised certifications upon completion. She added that beneficiaries who successfully complete the training and certification would be provided with laptop computers to enhance their productivity.
According to her, the initiative is expected to train over one million young Nigerians and prepare them for remote work opportunities and participation in the global job market.
She also announced that the Digital Literacy Academy and the Artisan Development Project would be officially launched during the two-day National Digital Literacy Conference scheduled for January 28 and 29.
Osikoya described Clergywealth as a humanitarian and empowerment-focused cooperative committed to improving the living standards of clergy members, civil society leaders and rural communities across Nigeria, regardless of religious affiliation. She noted that the organisation also runs microcredit programmes, job portals and cooperative platforms aimed at promoting economic empowerment and national development.
The Joint Implementation Committee is chaired by Dr Ibrahim Kana, with members including Zainab Abubakar, Dr Ebi, Mr Ifeanyi Okereke, Joe Odoh, Dr Mohammed Tambuwal, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya and Dr Grace Amaefule.
Other members are Dr Olobashola Kolawole, Bayo Onimode, Mercy Ohikhena, Dr Niran Oyekale, as well as a representative from the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.