Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has pledged to support the Nigerian government in its plan to deliver over two million digital jobs to reduce the nation’s unemployment rate.
The ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Vanessa Phala, made the pledge yesterday during the commemoration of this year’s World Youth Skill Day in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme- ‘Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future: Building Skills for Tomorrow ‘, Phala noted that the digital economy has become an integral part of Nigerians’ daily lives, thereby shaping the industrial sector and creating more opportunities.
The Country’s Director stressed that Nigeria has a youthful population, hence the need for them to be equipped with the right skills to strive in the digital world.
“Today, we gather to celebrate the remarkable potential of our young people and to emphasise the critical role of skills development in preparing them for challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.
“We realise that the future is now and the skills are needed now. We know that Nigeria has a youthful population with vibrant energy that stands for a principle of transformative journey.
“However, to unlock the potential of Nigerian youths, we must invest in them, equip them with the right skills and create an enabling environment that would enrich their talents,” she said.
Phala further added that, “The ILO has supported the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development to develop the Nigerian Youth Development Action Plan with emphasis more on entrepreneurship among others.
“To fulfill the potentials of this digital era, we must ensure that our young people are not only technologically trained but must possess critical thinking, problem solving and adaptability skills to strive in a changing world.
“The ILO is supporting the government in this digital transformation agenda and will continue to support the new government to deliver the promises of creating over two million jobs in the digital economy,” Phala said.
In his opening address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the potentials of young people should be harnessed for catalyse transformation.
Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office (OSGF), Nko Esuabana said: “Together, we have embarked on a collective endeavour to reach the skill gap and empower our youths in green, digital and creative economy.
“The dialogue lies not only in addressing the challenges facing our young ones today but also in harnessing their potentials as catalysts for transformational change.”
