A commitment was made by a prominent figure on Monday in Abuja to provide Nigerian youths with the necessary skills to effectively compete globally. The launch of the Nigerian Youth Academy at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa emphasized the importance of empowering the youth in a nation with a median age of 17, making it one of the world’s youngest populations.
The event highlighted the government’s plan to train young individuals in digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and creative industries. Emphasis was placed on ensuring the youth are prepared to compete on an international level and contribute to the nation’s future success.
The initiative aims to focus on education, skills development, economic empowerment, and leadership among the youth. Programs like the Youth Investment Fund and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters will offer support to young entrepreneurs, while the establishment of a National Youth Development Bank will provide capital for business ventures.
The academy is seen as a strategic response to challenges such as low human capital index ranking and unemployment in Nigeria. The goal is to train millions of young Nigerians within the next two years, equipping them with the necessary tools to compete globally and contribute to the nation’s growth.
The initiative also aims to nurture future leaders through training in governance, policy-making, and community development. It is viewed as a collaborative effort that extends beyond Abuja to impact communities where real change is experienced.
The initiative was praised by officials for its focus on equipping young Nigerians with marketable skills to bridge the gap in the job market and empower the youth for a better future. The call was made for Nigerian youths to seize the opportunity to learn new skills and take charge of their future.
In a gesture of support, beneficiaries of the initiative were presented with a start-up package to kickstart their self-employed ventures. The initiative was commended for its role in empowering young Nigerians and providing opportunities for economic growth and self-sustainability.