Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended Google’s N1.2 billion grant commitment to President Tinubu’s administration’s one million jobs initiative during a meeting with Google executives at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to the Vice President, the grant which would support the current administration’s digital jobs initiative is commendable and worthy of emulation by other companies.
- “Let’s think outside the box and create more job opportunities. We need to walk the talk. It is easy to pontificate but very difficult to bring all of the ideas to fruition. I want to assure you, this administration is ready to partner with you.
- “Nigeria is ready for business. The President that we have now wants to leave a legacy that Nigerians will be proud of many years after.” Shettima said.
A Boost to Digital Job Creation
The Vice President also said Nigeria has a unique opportunity to harness the potential of its huge youth population to create millions of jobs in the digital sector.
- “We have more English-speaking people than many countries in Africa and beyond. We missed the agricultural age, we missed the industrial age and we are now in the knowledge-driven post-industrial age.”
- “We have the potential and a unique opportunity to fill the anticipated global talent deficit.
- “Access Bank is doing a lot in terms of digital skills, training 1,000 youths in digital skills to create employment opportunities.”
- “We are working with Wema Bank, the Bank of Industry, and other partners on this project. We are willing to partner with Google, and we will work closely with you for the good of our nation,” he added.
Google’s Commitment
Olumide Balogun, Director of Google, West Africa, expressed Google’s excitement for the Tinubu administration’s vision of creating a million digital jobs.
- The global tech giant pledged over N1.2 billion in grants to support the initiative, aiming to equip more than 20,000 young individuals with digital skills.
- This commitment also includes support for startups to generate thousands of jobs within the sector.
Also during the meeting, Charles Murito, Google Africa’s Director of Government Relations and Public Policy, emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure investment in Africa.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s significance in achieving Google’s objectives and vision, highlighting the role of digital transformation in driving targeted technology jobs.
- “Google cannot achieve its vision and objectives if it doesn’t cover Nigeria effectively.” He said.
The initiative by Google is aligned with President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering a digitally skilled workforce.
With a focus on creating one million digital jobs, the initiative will train 20,000 Nigerian women and youth in digital skills.
The partnership involves Google’s philanthropic arm, “Mind the Gap,” in collaboration with Data Science Nigeria and the Creative Industry Initiative for Africa.
I am happy that the vice-president is helping the Nigeria youths to get up….