President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a major initiative, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, to boost employment opportunities for Nigeria’s youth. This partnership, aimed at creating 10 million jobs, underscores the administration’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships for economic growth and youth empowerment.
During a meeting with Ms. Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, President Tinubu lauded the initiative’s alignment with his Renewed Hope Agenda. This ambitious project is set to reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape, fostering job creation and nurturing a vibrant, skilled youth workforce ready to take on global challenges in the 21st century.
The President, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, emphasized the significance of this partnership. “We’re dedicated to changing the dynamics of our nation, making Nigeria a beacon of hope and assurance for our youth,” he stated. The initiative not only aims to bolster Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy but also to instill a new sense of confidence and capability in its youth.
A key aspect of this collaboration is its focus on digitization, recognizing technology’s pivotal role in curbing corruption and fostering transparent, efficient economic growth. President Tinubu affirmed his readiness to support this venture, ensuring all necessary resources are mobilized for its success.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, praised the Mastercard Foundation’s impactful presence in Africa. He highlighted the Foundation’s prudent management of its substantial assets and its commitment to delivering tangible benefits directly to target beneficiaries. “This partnership will significantly enhance our efforts in reforming social intervention and health service delivery,” Dr. Pate added.
Ms. Roy outlined the Foundation’s ambitious goals, focusing on education and financial inclusion to impact 30 million young Africans by 2030. She reported notable progress in Nigeria, with over 2.1 million youths already benefiting from the ‘Young Africa Work Strategy.’ Additionally, seven million individuals have engaged in various capacity-building programmes, ranging from skill acquisition to financial literacy, thus bolstering their employability and entrepreneurial prospects.
Looking ahead, the Mastercard Foundation is set to explore new avenues in healthcare, viewing it as a vibrant sector full of opportunities for young professionals. Ms. Roy expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s prioritization of healthcare and education, viewing these sectors as pivotal for Nigeria’s future growth.
In this significant undertaking, President Tinubu’s administration and the Mastercard Foundation are setting a precedent for impactful collaborations. By harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s youth and embracing the digital revolution, they are laying the groundwork for a prosperous, forward-thinking nation.
