Youth Empowerment: Minister Olawande Unveils NiYA for Skill Acquisition to Enhance Employability
The Minister for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande has introduced the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) for skill acquisition and empowerment in order to improve the employability of youths.
The initiative was launched at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, March 24.
Mr. Olawande, who disclosed this noted that the development is part of the Ministry’s efforts to empower Nigerian youths with the skills needed to excel in the evolving global job market.
In his remarks, he recounted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to create platforms for the youths to succeed and pursue their goals, stressing that the launch of NiYA is a realisation of that pledge.
“The Nigerian Youth Academy aims to generate millions of job opportunities for Nigerian youth within the next two years, while equipping them with essential skills to bridge the skills gap in the job market,” the Minister said.
He urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity to learn a skill and prepare themselves to make a mark in the world.
“Additionally, a cash gift of ₦1 million was awarded to six beneficiaries, one from each geopolitical zone of the country, who have successfully completed various courses through the academy during its test run. This start-up package is designed to help them grow and become self-employed, skilled individuals,” Minister Olawande remarked.
He expressed gratitude to the dignitaries present at the launch, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
Others are Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha; Heads of Agencies, Aides of the President and Vice President, Representatives from the European Union and the American Embassy in Nigeria.
