President Bola Tinubu on Monday officially launched the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja which was disclosed by Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha.
Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented President Tinubu mentioned the skills the government plans to train the country’s young population such asdigital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries.
He said, “Through world-class training in digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries, we will ensure that our youth are equipped to compete on the global stage.
“Initiatives like the Youth Investment Fund and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters will provide financial support, mentorship, and resources to young entrepreneurs, while the establishment of a National Youth Development Bank will ensure access to the capital needed to turn ideas into thriving businesses.”
He further stated , “Yet, we must acknowledge the challenges that persist. Nigeria’s Human Capital Index ranking remains below its potential, with youth unemployment and learning poverty presenting critical barriers to progress.
“These statistics are not just numbers; they reflect lives disrupted, dreams deferred, and futures left uncertain. The Nigerian Youth Academy is our commitment to changing this narrative.
“The Nigerian Youth Academy will nurture the next generation of leaders, training them in governance, policy-making, and community development. We believe that the success of this initiative rests not in Abuja alone but in the communities where real change is felt.”
The Minister for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande said, “The President promised the Nigerian youths a platform where they can achieve their dreams; the dream of many Nigerian youths is to have a good job and live a good life.
“This initiative is for every Nigerian youth. NiYA represents the determination of Mr. President to help all youths build a better future and create opportunities for themselves and their families.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun said, “We know that skills, not just certificates, are the real currency of today’s global digital economy and that is why NiYA is so important, it is more than a learning platform.
“It is a launch pad for a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs, creators, professionals, and founders who can reach out all over the world comfortably seated using the internet.”
During the launch, start-up packages of N1 million was disbursed to six beneficiaries from each geopolitical zone