Mr. Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of State for Youth Development, has revealed the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging the digital economy to empower youth and foster sustainable job creation.
Addressing participants of the Senior Executive Course 46, 2024 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) during their visit to the ministry in Abuja, Olawande emphasized the significant demographic advantage Nigeria holds, with over 50% of the population below the age of 30, making them well-positioned for the digital age.
Acknowledging challenges such as limited access to quality education, skills training, and job opportunities, Olawande highlighted the transformative potential of the digital economy, particularly in areas like e-commerce, digital payments, and remote work.
To address these challenges, the Ministry has initiated digital skills training programs, partnered with Galaxy Backbone to improve infrastructure and connectivity, and introduced funding opportunities such as grants, loans, and venture capital through the National Youth Investment Fund.
Olawande emphasized the Ministry’s goal of creating an ecosystem supportive of entrepreneurship and employment for youth, stressing the importance of sustainable job creation for Nigeria’s economic growth and stability.
Recognizing the need for collaboration, Olawande urged stakeholders to join efforts in harnessing the potential of the digital economy for youth empowerment and sustainable development.
Barrister Nima Salman Mann, leader of the NIPSS delegation, underscored the relevance of the Ministry of Youth Development to their research theme, ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria,’ expressing their intent to explore strategies for utilizing the digital economy to achieve these goals.
