To be abreast of the revolution in information technology,the Federal Government in partnership with a firm, ALAT, on Friday launched an initiative that aims to ginger industrial revolution, foster economic prosperity and propel the country to the global stage as a digital power house.
The initiative, known as Skillnovation, is expected to provide over three million Nigerians with essential digital skills required to succeed in the global economy.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima who made this known during the launch of the programme at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja ,described the Skillnovation as a “transformative initiative” that “ushers in a new era of digital empowerment for” Nigerians.
Shettima said “We are compelled to tread this path by the direction in which the world has headed, a world of disruptive technologies redefined by the fourth Industrial Revolution.
“This initiative is a response to the evolution of the modern business environment, an acknowledgment that digital skills have become the cornerstone of economic ease and expansion.
He said the new initiative has all the relevant tools needed to launch the small and medium scale enterprises to economic success and assured the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s to MSMEs across the country.
“Nigeria, with its expanding MSME sector of close to 40 million, has the potential to lead business innovation beyond Africa.
“The Skillnovation Programme, therefore, 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 Programme is not a mere promise; it is a resounding commitment to the Nigerian people,” the vice president added.
“It’s in pursuit of this administration’s resolve to empower our youth and MSMEs and to create a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. Today, we are translating that commitment into action, and we intend to be your allies in your race to take over the world through your enhanced skills.”
Mr Shetimma also assured that nobody will be left out of the Skillnovation Programme, regardless of age, gender, or disability.
“There will be no disadvantaged demographic in accessing this opportunity. Our youth, women, and persons with disabilities have found friends and allies and will be favoured in our proposed single-digit loan schemes for our valued MSMEs, for which talks are already ongoing with the Bank of Industry and other critical stakeholders and partners,”
The Skillnovation Programme will establish 15 state-of-the-art ICT centres, strategically placed across Nigeria, to provide individuals and businesses alike with access to cutting-edge digital training, resources, and support.
The first phase of the programme will focus on Katsina, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Kano, while the second phase will include Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara, and Ekiti states
Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, emphasised the significance of partnership, noting that the government alone cannot address the challenges confronting Nigerians.
Also speaking ,the Managing Director of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, commended the passion of the president and vice president for empowering young Nigerians, even as he announced the establishment of skills training centres across 17 states, beginning with Lagos and Borno.
According to him,the programme will directly impact two million youth and one million small businesses across the benefitting states.
He expressed optimism that the scheme will be impactful, particularly empowering young Nigerians and preparing them for the challenges of the future.
Delivering his goodwill message, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, said the Tinubu administration will leverage the enthusiasm of youths in the technology space to launch Nigeria as a global power in the sector.
He called on the other private sectors to collaborate more with the government to actualise the objectives of job creation.
In his remark, Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State pledged the state government’s support for the success of the programme.
Some Ministers and heads of the Federal Government Agencies were among dignitaries that attended the event.
