The Nigerian government says, it remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders in implementing programmes and initiatives that will accelerate innovation and provide jobs for young people in the country.
The Director General National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA Mr. Kashifu Inuwa made this known in Abuja at the graduation of twenty startups trainees drawn from the North East Nigeria Nigeria.
The North East Startups NEST is programme initiated by NITDA in Collaboration with Japan International Corporation Agency JICA hosted by the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation ONDI.
The training is aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology among young people from the North East of Nigeria that has suffered economic hardship due to insurgency.
Mr. Inuwa, represented by Mr. Inyene Ibanga said, “the Nigerian Government will make no compromises in implementing a variety of strategic initiatives to equip people with the necessary digital skills to support commercial technology innovation. We also nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in them to catalyze the Nigerian digital economy to the next level.”
He called on participants to take advantage of the knowledge gained and insights of the programme to transform and reposition their businesses to impact on the North East region and Nigeria as a whole.
“I urge you all to stay focused and open-minded in order to put into practice the new processes to enhance your business operations.”
Cooperation
The NITDA Boss called for a sustainable partnership with Japan for technologcal and entrepreneurship development.
“We trust that JICA will sustain its work with us to upskill Nigeria’s talented young population with marketable digital skills and brilliant ideas to position the country as a leading producer and exporter of digital talents to the rest of the world. I believe Japan can leverage our young population to complement its aging population while exposing our digital talents to opportunities to develop innovative tech products, services, and solutions with global impact.”
Also, the Chief Representative of Japan International Corporation Agency JICA Mr. Susumu Yuzurio believes that the training will impact the knowledge and business ideas of the youths to help expand their operations and strengthen their brands by generating more jobs and opportunities.
“It is vital to use the training to enhance your business models and improve it’s impacts in the North East.”
Also speaking, the Ag. National coordinator Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation ONDI Mr. Yakubu Musa represented by Mrs. Amina Bello commended the trainees and urged them to use the skills of the training to advance their entrepreneurship.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the training and called for support from the government to expand their business ideas.
The participants made presentations on their business models in various areas using technology innovation.
Lateefah Ibrahim
