Maryam Aminu
In a bold push to empower Nigerian youth in the global digital economy, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has embarked on a strategic visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), securing international partnerships to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) initiative.
The Minister met with top institutions, including the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), to explore collaboration opportunities in youth innovation and enterprise. He also announced a landmark partnership with GITEX Global, a major technology platform, to host a National Digital Innovation Showcase in Nigeria from September 1–4, 2025. The event will spotlight 300 promising Nigerian startups and offer them international exposure and growth support, in collaboration with NITDA.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, in a group photograph with His Excellency Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, alongside senior management staff of the Ministry and the UAE delegation.
Over 210,000 youths have already been onboarded into NiYA, with Green House Centres being set up across Nigeria’s 774 LGAs to provide training and digital access. Plans are also underway for a GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series Powered by NiYA to ensure a continuous flow of Nigerian talent into global innovation stages.
Additionally, the Minister held talks with the UAE Minister for AI and Digital Economy, H.E. Omar Al Olama, focusing on joint efforts in AI education, startup incubation, and remote work solutions.
“Our goal is to position Nigerian youth as global innovators and tech leaders,” Olawande affirmed, urging young Nigerians to seize the moment.
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