United Way Greater Nigeria and the US Embassy, Abuja Launch economic and development project in Maiduguri
The Promoting Inclusive Economic Growth and Development through Sustainable Programmes (PIE-GDP) seeks to transform the future of young people in North-East Nigeria, aged 15-24 by helping them fulfil their potential in entrepreneurship and employment thereby contributing to the nation’s growth and development. With support from the Embassy of the United States of America, Abuja, United Way Greater Nigeria has kick-started the programme in Maiduguri, Borno State. This initiative, which also links them to opportunities for mentorship, internships, and apprenticeships, is improving the knowledge and skills of 100 young people in Maiduguri regarding employment and entrepreneurship.
In November 2022, a Programme Launch was organized and attended by Alhaja Halima L. Chiroma who represented the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Maiduguri, Mrs. Rukaya Shetima Provost, College of Nursing and Midwifery, Maiduguri, Mrs. Fana Sherrif Deputy Registrar, College of Nursing and Midwifery, Maiduguri, Dr. Mustapha U Kano who represented the Rector, Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, Mr. Abaya Francis Director, American Space Maiduguri, Mr. Ezra Wakawa Branch Manager, Fidelity Bank Maiduguri, Mrs. Deola Durodola, Executive Director UWGN, Bulama Ali Kofa Community Leader of Kofa Kadiri, Bashir Aisami, Religious Leaders of Kofa Kadiri Community, Maiduguri, as well as selected participants from University of Maiduguri, Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, College of Nursing and Midwifery Maiduguri, School of Health and Technology and Kofa Kadiri community.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, United Way Greater Nigeria, Deola Durodola said, “This collaboration with the Embassy of the United States of America, Abuja will provide 100 out-of-school youth and undergraduates at specific tertiary institutions with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce through employment or entrepreneurship. Participants will be provided with mentorship, training, internship, and apprenticeship opportunities to help them establish stable financial futures. As a matter of fact, immediately after this Launch, we will kick-start an intensive Financial and Leadership skills Training for the selected participants on the programme”.
“I wholeheartedly applaud the launch of this project and the training that will follow. There is no doubt that the lessons learned at this training will have a significant impact on economic growth, and we should use the wealth of experience and technical knowledge within our ministry where poverty alleviation and youth empowerment are our main objectives. Once again, on behalf of my honorable commissioner and entire staff of the ministry, thank you very much for your recognition and opportunity to key into this your well-organized project launching and training. Indeed, we will leave no stone unturned to see that your organization realizes its objective and our ministry will come in whenever you need our support, thank you”, said Halima L. Chiroma, representing the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development at the Programme Launch.
American Spaces are open-access learning and gathering place that promote interaction – both in-person and virtual – among local audiences in Nigeria. American Space Maiduguri which is located inside in University of Maiduguri, delivers compelling programs and activities on a wide range of themes and topics — everything from free internet access to objective news publications to advanced technology to programs on freedom of cultural expression. The Director of America Spaces Maiduguri, Mr. Abaya Francis, addressed the participants at the Launch and Training program and said, “The American space is a learning and resource centerand anybody is welcome. We have alumni of the space who can coach and are always available to mentor you. Through networking, education programs in the USA, conferences, and seminars, the space helps develop young leaders”
