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Shettima Calls on African Leaders to Prioritize Technology and Digital Skills
Nigerian Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has called on African leaders to prioritize technology and digital skills in order to prepare the continent’s youth for the future.
Speaking at a recent conference on youth empowerment, Senator Shettima emphasized the importance of investing in education, infrastructure, and training in order to create jobs and opportunities for young people in Africa.
According to the Vice President, “the future belongs to the young. Africa has the youngest population in the world, with a median age of just 19 years. If we can harness the energy and creativity of our youth, there is no limit to what we can achieve. But to do this, we need to make sure they have the skills they need to compete in the global economy. This means investing in education, both formal and informal, and providing opportunities for young people to learn new skills and gain experience. We also need to build the infrastructure needed to connect our young people to the global economy, including reliable internet access and digital literacy programs.”
The Transformative Impact of the Skillnovation Programme on Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Senator Shettima’s call for prioritizing technology and digital skills comes as part of a larger initiative by the Nigerian government to empower three million youths through the Skillnovation Programme.
This program aims to establish 15 state-of-the-art ICT centers across Nigeria, providing individuals and businesses with access to cutting-edge digital training, resources, and support.
The first phase of the program will focus on six states, including Katsina, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Kano, while the second phase will include Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, and Bauchi.
Google has also joined the effort to train Nigerian youths in digital skills, with plans to train 20,000 Nigerian women and youth in digital skills. The company’s initiative aligns with the Nigerian government’s commitment to increase youth participation in the digital economy and technological advancements.
Google’s grant from its philanthropic arm, in partnership with Data Science, will provide funds and resources for the training program.
Empowering Africa’s Youth: Call for Unity and Investment in Technology
The Vice President, Senator Shettima, highlighted the importance of partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations in achieving these technological advancements. “We cannot do it alone,” he said. “We need to work together to create the conditions for success. I believe that by investing in our young people, we can not only improve their lives but also help to build a more prosperous and stable Africa.”
The Vice President’s remarks come at a time when Africa is facing significant challenges, including rising unemployment, limited access to education, and a lack of opportunities for young people.
By investing in technology and digital skills, the continent has the potential to create jobs and improve the lives of millions of people.
The Vice President, Senator Shettima, called on African leaders to act now to create a better future for the continent’s youth. “We cannot wait for the future to come to us,” he said. “We must take action today to build a brighter tomorrow. The future of Africa is in our hands.”
