By Maryam Aminu
In a significant move to enhance skill acquisition and promote entrepreneurship among young Nigerians, the Ministry of Youth Development has announced a collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).
This announcement was made by the Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, during a meeting with TEF’s management team led by CEO Ms. Somachi Chris-Asoluka at the Foundation’s office in Lagos.
Mr. Olawande highlighted that the collaboration would include various training programs, mentorship initiatives, and access to critical resources designed to empower young people to become successful entrepreneurs and professionals.
Emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships, the Minister noted that collaborative efforts yield better and faster results.
“Just yesterday at the Lagos State Employment Summit, I emphasized the need for deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors. Today, I am here to put those words into action by discussing how we can partner to improve the prospects of young people,” said Olawande.
He praised the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s impact over the years in creating jobs and reducing poverty through their entrepreneurship programs, which have enabled many young Nigerians and Africans to become employers.
Ms. Chris-Asoluka responded positively, expressing her excitement about the Ministry’s initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of grassroots youth.
She applauded the Minister’s efforts to engage with young people and emphasized the importance of listening to their needs and preferences to provide effective support.
“I am genuinely impressed by your dedicated efforts to engage with young people. Providing them with the opportunity to express their needs and preferences is essential in ensuring effective support,” Ms. Chris-Asoluka stated.
The discussion also covered potential areas of collaboration, with Ms. Chris-Asoluka pledging TEF’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) project and the Corpreneur Support Initiative of the Youth Ministry.
She highlighted that this commitment reflects a shared vision to empower and uplift the youth through collaborative efforts.
The partnership between the Ministry of Youth Development and the Tony Elumelu Foundation marks a significant step towards fostering entrepreneurship and skill development among Nigeria’s youth, promising a brighter future for the country’s next generation of leaders.
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