Youth Academy Launch: NiYA Aims to Bridge the Skills Gap – Minister
Tunde Adeyemo,
Abuja, Nigeria.
In a significant step towards equipping Nigerian youth with essential skills for the global job market, the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) was officially launched today at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The event was attended by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his remarks, Hon. Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele, Minister for Youth Development, emphasised the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for the youth. He recalled President Tinubu’s promise to develop platforms that enable young Nigerians to pursue their aspirations and succeed.
“The launch of NiYA is a realisation of that promise,” Ayodele stated, highlighting the academy’s goal of generating millions of job opportunities within the next two years. NiYA aims to bridge the skills gap in the job market by providing training in various essential skills.
During the event, six beneficiaries from different geopolitical zones were awarded cash gifts of N1 million each in recognition of their successful completion of courses during the academy’s test run. This initiative is intended to support these individuals as they embark on their journey to becoming self-employed and skilled professionals.
Ayodele encouraged young Nigerians to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by NiYA, urging them to learn new skills and prepare to make their mark in the world.
The launch was well attended by various dignitaries, including the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, along with representatives from the European Union and the American Embassy in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Youth Academy represents a pivotal moment for youth empowerment in Nigeria, setting the stage for a brighter future for millions of young citizens.
Signed: Hon. Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele, Minister for Youth Development.
