Sunday Dare, the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Development has reiterated the realities of the dominance of technology coming from the oubreak of COVID-19 pandemic.
The minister said this while delivering a speech during Google’s Economic Recovery Virtual Round held on Tuesday, September 15, 2020.
The virtual gathering saw attendants from Google, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and members of the press.
According to the Minister, Google has opened up so many opportunities for young people the world over and has always sought to support causes that promote excellence and innovation.
“I am well pleased to announce to young Nigerians that this Ministry- Google partnership will enhance Google’s execution plans towards
achieving a renewed commitment to support small businesses and individuals in Nigeria to recover following negative slowdowns
resulting from Covid19.”
“One of the abiding lessons of Covid-19 is the importance and dominance of technology. This is where our youth play well.
This Google partnership comes at time most appropriate to help ratchet up support for our enterprising youth across Nigeria.”, said Sunday
According to Fate Foundation, 94.3 % of businesses surveyed in Nigeria have been adversely affected by the Covid 19 pandemic.
Research shows that 86% of Nigerian youths are pro-enterprise. This means given the right conditions, resources and training, Nigerian
youth are poised to thrive in the area of entrepreneurship.
Late last year, the ministry launched a DEEL initiative with plans of creating avenues of sustainable wealth creation, digital training for 1
million Nigerians by 2023.
The DEEL initiative speaks to Digital literacy, Entrepreneurship, Employability and Leadership Skills enhancement.
The ministry crafted lofty plans and was sure of an impactful dent in the number of young persons living below the poverty line but Covid-19 came along and threw a spanner in the works.
One of the abiding lessons of the pandemic is the importance and dominance of technology. This is where our youth play well.
Post-pandemic, the use of technology is unlikely to decline but will instead will increase, even in the rural areas as government has
embarked upon massive investment in the areas of public digital infrastructure.
For these investments to be fully effective, digital literacy skills must be strengthened with continual education to keep pace with rapidly changing global technologies.
The Nigerian Government’s Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) is targeted at turning most of our youth into entrepreneurs (MSMEs).
This Google partnership comes at time most opportune time to help ratchet up support for our enterprising youth across Nigeria.
Googles partnership scope which includes;
- Providing support for youth-owned SMBs to get back on their feet and rebuild, in partnership with our ministry
- Providing support for job seekers in NG to acquire important skills through certifications and training programs
- Supporting programs that enable and improve delivery/ access to quality education across the region
It is at this particular time highly welcome and I do hope the partnership plays the role of providing support and growth for Nigerian youths and the businesses they run.
HM Sunday Dare concluded that For all opportunities for Nigerian Youth with existing small businesses, ensure you enrol your business with the Federal Ministry of Youth Sports to access various business support, including training, funding. etc Visit here
Featured Image: Sunday Dare, Honourable Minister, Youth and Sports Development
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