Yola: The Adamawa Government has announced its collaboration with Bincike International, a non-governmental organization, to introduce a mobile application designed to empower artisans and enhance service delivery across the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Usman Saleh, the Director of the Donor Department at the Adamawa State Planning Commission, revealed the partnership during the unveiling of the ‘One Delegate’ mobile application and Bincike International’s five-year strategic plan in Yola. Saleh emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that align with the state’s development goals.
“We are here to support our partners, Bincike International, in unveiling projects and programs developed for Adamawa and Nigeria at large. The government welcomes organizations willing to align their programs with its development agenda; this partnership would support development in education, skill acquisition, and youth empowerment,” Saleh stated.
Dr. Elisha Bello, Executive Director of Bincike International, explained that the strategic plan will steer the organization’s implementation of various initiatives over the next five years. He noted that the application, initially launched in Yola, is expected to expand to other states.
Bello described the One Delegate application as an innovative platform connecting artisans with people in need of services such as plumbing, carpentry, and other skilled trades. “The initiative would complement government and development organizations training young people by connecting beneficiaries with available markets,” he explained.
Bello also highlighted that the initiative seeks to address concerns over unemployment and the recruitment of youths into illegal activities, such as gangs and kidnapping, due to a lack of employment opportunities. “With decent jobs and technology, we can provide alternatives for young people and reduce their involvement in illegal activities,” he added.
Ms. Hauwa Kumshe, Project Coordinator at the Centre for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), described the application as a solution to challenges faced by development partners. She pointed out that while many organizations offer skills training, they often struggle to provide sustainable income opportunities for beneficiaries.
Mr. Jimiruna Leonard, Director of Innovation and Strategy at Bincike International, mentioned that the application was developed to bridge gaps between skills training and employment access. He emphasized that the initiative would help address unemployment by creating opportunities for trained youths to apply their skills effectively.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the initiative has garnered support from development partners, including UNICEF, Save the Children, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), among others.