President Bola Tinubu said Wednesday at the State House in Abuja that Nigerian youths are vibrant, talented eager to learn, and ready to compete globally.
The President said this at a meeting with the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard Foundation, Ms. Reeta Roy.
The President said his administration would strongly support public-private partnerships aimed at creating dignified work and employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
The President commended Mastercard Foundation’s initiative, which aims to create 10 million jobs for young people in Nigeria, stresing that the programme aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda for economic development and job creation.
”We believe in what you are doing. We are determined to run an inclusive government and change the dynamics and perception of this country. Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and, as such, must take its leadership of this continent very seriously.
”We must give hope and assurance to our teeming youth population. God has blessed Nigeria with a vibrant youth population, ready to learn, and capable of competing in the global economy of the 21st century. Leadership is what is necessary.
”The incubation is growing, and we are earning a good reputation, and we will continue to do that across sectors of the economy in order to achieve sustainable growth,” he said.
The President also welcomed Mastercard Foundation’s emphasis on digitization, recognizing the role of technology as a potent and indispensable tool against corruption.
“We are ready to work with you and remove all impediments, and we have assembled a great team to work with you. The hope of the youth must be built on a solid foundation of sustainable growth and prosperity. We are working with other partners, and we assure you of our robust and focused collaboration,” he said.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate said the wide-reaching impact of the Mastercard Foundation across Africa and its proven capacity to change the fortunes of human capital development in Nigeria.
“This is an institution that holds assets worth more than $40 billion and they are prudent in ensuring that their resources are applied digitally and in a way that reaches their target beneficiaries directly.
“Mr. President’s strong commitment to reforming social intervention and health service delivery in Nigeria will be greatly boosted through this partnership,” he said.
Mastercard Foundation CEO, Ms. Reeta Roy informed the the President that the foundation’s focus on education and financial inclusion in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, aims to impact 30 million young Africans by 2030.
She reported progress on the foundation’s 10 million target for Nigeria, stating that 2.1 million young people trained under the ‘Young Africa Work Strategy’ are already engaged in dignified work.