President Bola Tinubu says Nigerian youths are vibrant, talented, eager to learn, and ready to compete globally.

Tinubu promised that his administration would strongly support public-private partnerships aimed at creating dignified work and employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.

The president said this during a meeting with Reeta Roy, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard Foundation, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

He commended Mastercard Foundation’s initiative, which aims to create 10 million jobs for Nigerian youths, noting that the programme aligns with his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ for economic development and job creation.

Tinubu said: “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.

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“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.”

President Tinubu, according to a statement issued by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, also welcomed Mastercard Foundation’s emphasis on digitisation, recognising the role of technology as a potent, and indispensable tool against corruption.

The president added: “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.”

Speaking, the CEO of Mastercard Foundation informed President Tinubu that the Foundation’s focus on education and financial inclusion in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, aims to impact 30 million young Africans by 2030.

Roy reported progress on the Foundation’s 10 million target for Nigeria, stating that 2.1 million youths trained under the ‘Young Africa Work Strategy’ are already engaged in dignified work.

She added that no fewer than seven million people have gone through programmes classified as work enablers, including skill acquisition, education, access to financial tools, networks, or linkages into opportunities.

The Star