To Achieve Impact Beyond Employment, There Is A Need To Create Equity- Youth Minister Tells NICCI

Maryam Aminu

Understanding the role of youth in societal development is crucial for devising effective strategies that foster their growth and enable them to become active contributors to the economy, innovation, and social harmony

In a bid to engaging Nigerian Youth while promoting bilateral trade and investment between Nigeria and Indonesia, the Nigerian-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry NICCI visited the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to seek partnership.

The Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim, noted that prioritizing youth equity to promote a strong and just economy is a high priority of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development

To achieve impact beyond employment, there is a need to create equity

“By working together, we can create a more equitable and prosperous job market for everyone particularly the youth but in doing so we must ensure there is creation of equity for the youth.” Dr. Bio added

She further reiterated that investment that will benefit the youth should go beyond job creation and creating an enabling environment. There should be creation of equity where youth will be provided with the opportunity to grow and thrive, regardless of their starting point.

She assured that her ministry would partner with NCCI so long as it will protect the interest of Nigeria youth

“We look forward to partnering with you provided our conditions are meant” said the minister

Earlier the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed briefed the minister that the Nigerian-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will hint her about their activities and also seek Partnership particularly in areas of Agriculture, health, renewable energy and lots more

The President, Nigerian-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ishmael Balogun who briefly stated the activities of NICCI added that the Nigerian-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) represents the voice of Indonesian businesses in Nigeria which aims to explore and develop trade, investment and business in Nigeria and Indonesia

Balogun said: “It will also be pleasing to let you know that between 2021 and 2022, the trade balance between Nigeria and Indonesia has grown from $2.6bn to $4.7bn. We hope to open up new territories to discover more and expand our reach.”

He noted that the significance of the investment to the ministry is that there will be job creation for Nigeria youth population

Balogun stated that predominantly youthful population provides a wealth of human capital.

He added that the areas of focus include but not limited to manufacturing, renewable energy, power generation, infrastructure development, health, agriculture, transportation, mining, digital economy and much more,” Balogun said.

“Nigeria’s youth population is one of its greatest assets. Nigeria’s young people are energetic and ambitious. As one of the greatest asset to Nigeria, they also hold the key to unleashing greater productivity and propelling the economic trajectory of the country” said NICCI President