Our youths are tech-savvy, eager to contribute to the country’s economic growth- Olawande

Oru Leonard 

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande has said that the Nigerian you youths are tech-savvy, innovative and eager to contribute to the country’s economic growth.

He stated this in Abuja when he received the participants of the Senior Executive Course 46, 2024 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State who were on study tour to the Ministry.

Olawande who disclosed that the Federal Government is making efforts to harness the potentials of the digital economy in empowering the youth and creating sustainable jobs, however noted that youths face numerous challenges including limited access to quality education, skills training and job opportunities and more hindering the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria which must be addressed.

“To overcome the challenges, the Ministry has implemented initiatives such as digital skills training programs for youths, focusing on areas like software development, data analytics and digital marketing especially in the NYSC. He disclosed that the ministry is partnering with Galaxy Back Bone to improve infrastructure, Internet connectivity and alternative electricity supply as well as funding opportunities such as grants, loans and venture capital for startups of small businesses with launching of the National Youth Investment Fund”, he said

The Honourable Minister said the Ministry’ s goal is to create an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for the youth.

“We recognise that sustainable job creation is critical to Nigeria ‘s economic growth and stability.

”I urge you all to join us in this journey to harness the potential of the digital economy for youth empowerment and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.”, he added.

Mr Olawande further said that the opportunities and challenges underscore the need for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to harness the potential of the digital economy for sustainable development, noting that there is a gap between the Government and the young people expressed his heartfelt desire for the Youths of the nation to feel the Government.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation from NIPSS, Barrister Nima Salman Mann said they are in the Ministry to research, proffer solutions, recommendations and strategies to help Government chart its course for the the year, with the theme : ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’.

She added that Ministry of Youth Development is very germane to this year’s theme .” We are with the Ministry of Youth to listen to what you are doing to help the youth, how you are doing it, strategic plans and way forward as well as how we can use the digital economy to chart the goal for sustainable job creation,” she stated.