On Friday, it was announced that an initiative called Skillnovation was launched by the federal government and ALAT company in Nigeria. The aim of the initiative is to support the IT revolution in the country and expand economic and social interactions while enhancing productivity growth.
Skillnovation hopes to provide over three million Nigerians with the essential digital skills needed to succeed in the global economy. The launch event, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was described by Vice President Kashim Shettima as a transformative initiative that ushers in a new era of digital empowerment for Nigerians.
This move is necessary due to the direction the world is headed, with disruptive technologies redefining the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As a result, initiatives like Skillnovation are crucial in preparing Nigerians for the future.
“This initiative is a response to the evolution of the modern business environment, a recognition that digital skills have become the cornerstone of economic ease and expansion.”
The Vice President hinted that the meeting is one of many to be held and an occasion to assure the nation that President Bola Tinubu is fully committed to supporting small businesses across Nigeria.
The Skillnovation Program will establish 15 state-of-the-art ICT centers, strategically located across Nigeria, to provide individuals and businesses with access to cutting-edge digital training, resources, and support.
The first phase of the program will focus on Katsina, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Kano states, while the second phase will include Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara and Ekiti states.
Vice President Kashim Shettima at the launch of the program at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja,
Giving an insight into how the country would benefit from the program, Mr Shettima said: “Nigeria, with its expanding MSME sector of close to 40 million, has the potential to lead business innovation beyond Africa.
“Therefore, the Skillnovation program aims to unlock this immense potential. The initiative is designed to provide the necessary tools and skills for our MSMEs to thrive and compete on the global stage.
“As you have witnessed, ladies and gentlemen, the Skillnovation Program is not a mere promise; “It is a resounding commitment to the Nigerian people,” added the vice president.
“It is in pursuit of this administration’s determination to empower our youths and MSMEs and create a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. Today, we are translating that commitment into action and aim to be your allies in your race to conquer the world through your enhanced abilities.”
Shetimma also assured that no one will be left out of the Skillnovation program, regardless of age, gender, or disability.
“There will be no disadvantaged demographic in accessing this opportunity. Our youth, women, and disabled people have found friends and allies and will be helped in our proposed single-digit loan schemes for our valuable MSMEs, for which discussions are already underway with the Bank of Industry and other parties interested parties and critical partners. he stated.
The Skillnovation Program is an important step towards achieving the Federal Government’s vision of a digitally empowered and economically prosperous Nigeria.
By providing MSMEs with the essential digital skills and support they need to succeed, the program will help create jobs, drive economic growth, and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, emphasized the importance of partnership, noting that government alone cannot address the challenges facing Nigerians. .
For his part, the Managing Director of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, praised the passion of the President and Vice President for empowering Nigerian youths, even as he announced the establishment of training centers in 17 states, starting with Lagos and Borno.
He said the program will directly impact two million youth and one million small businesses in beneficiary states.
Vice President Kashim Shettima
The CEO expressed optimism that the plan will have an impact, particularly in empowering young Nigerians and preparing them for the challenges of the future.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, said the Tinubu administration will harness the enthusiasm of the youth in the technology space to launch Nigeria as a global power in the sector.
Vice President Kashim Shettima at the launch of the program at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja,
He called on other private sectors to collaborate more with the government to update job creation targets.
For his part, Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State pledged the support of the state government for the success of the program.
Also present at the event were the Ministers of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari; Work and Employment, Simon Lalong; Borno Deputy Governors Umar Kadafur; Kaduna, Hadiza Balarabe; Anambra, Onyeka Ibezim; Jigawa, Aminu Usman and heads of government agencies, among others.