KSH Foundation seeks tech driven policies

The Khalil Salisu Halilu (KSH) Foundation, has called on the federal government to commit more to digitization as the world is fast moving from analogue in solving social problems,  stressing that there is a dire need for policies that can attract investment in the development of technology in the country.

Its Founder, Khalil Salisu Halilu, made the call Saturday in Abuja during its debut program “EveryGirl”designed specifically for young women entrepreneurs between the ages of 15-19 with an interest in tech and tech-related fields, as well as innovative and sustainable ideas. 

According to Halilu, the “Everygirl” programme aims to empower young girls by educating them on digital learning skills, tech-related courses, self-confidence, provide them with enablement,  as well as give them access to mentors and possibly  funding to scale their ideas.

He noted that there is a huge gap in channelling technology products that would solve social problems in Africa, stressing that Nigeria as foremost tech-based country in Africa should encourage more of its citizens especially the youth to create tech innovations that will enable faster growth of the country.

“I believe that Africa problems will be fixed with Africa solutions and this is why we do our own beat as a foundation to encourage young people especially girls by providing the support and mentorship for them to build more solutions.

“The Nigeria government is doing quite a lot but I believe its not just a government thing, individuals, businessmen, traditional rulers and the likes has to contribute their beats to this development, ” he said.

“The key thing government should do is create enabling policies that will attract investment in technology development for people to be able to thrive. Government should support startups that are building technology products so that they can move faster and build more products,” he stressed.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator Farida Yahaya, said the project was specifically for girls to encourage them have more interest in technology, enlighten them to overcome low self esteem and make them know they can also achieve greater heights in any career they choose. 

Team Lead of the project Tina Okpechi, explained that it was important for girls to know the importance of tech in the daily basic routine, adding that coding is notbas difficult as is assumed but simple basic needs that can be developed into data that is gradually called coding.

One of the eight beneficiaries, Aisha Ahmad Tjani, said the training exposed her to the use of technology for business, while urging the government to move from analogue to full digital  she added that most businesses don’t value database and that is why she was encouraged to create a software to store necessary data of her clients and made her business easier to manage.

Another Beneficiary Obike Victoria Chioma, said she has learnt a lot visiting different tech hubs through the training,  stressing that Nigeria needs tech in all aspects because its an easier way to solving problems.

“Nigeria has to think and support innovations because lots of young people have ideas and government need to set up structures to enable these ideas thrive,” she said.