In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to preparing young Nigerians for the global digital economy, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has embarked on a strategic mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to build international collaborations that will strengthen youth innovation, enterprise, and digital skills development.
During a high-level engagement with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), a renowned hub for youth enterprise and innovation, the Minister explored partnerships to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA). The NiYA initiative aims to empower over seven million young Nigerians with digital skills, entrepreneurial training, civic leadership, and global opportunities.
“We are building bridges between Nigerian youth and global innovation ecosystems. Sheraa’s mission to nurture talent aligns perfectly with our goal of unlocking the creative and entrepreneurial potential of our young people,” the Minister said.
In a significant development, the Minister announced a strategic partnership with GITEX Global, one of the world’s largest technology and innovation platforms. From September 1st to 4th, 2025, Nigeria will host a GITEX-powered National Digital Innovation Showcase to spotlight the creativity and ingenuity of Nigerian youth before a global audience.
Through this initiative, 300 promising Nigerian startups will gain global visibility, access to international markets, and tailored support to scale. This effort is being implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), led by its Director-General, Dr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, who joined the Minister in the engagements.
Highlighting NiYA’s domestic progress, the Minister revealed that over 210,000 young Nigerians have already been onboarded. Green House Centres are being established in all 774 Local Government Areas nationwide, offering structured training, enterprise development support, and access to emerging technologies.
“We are laying the foundation for a generation of leaders who will define Africa’s tech-driven future,” the Minister affirmed.
These engagements underline the Federal Government’s commitment to securing global partnerships that will equip Nigerian youth with the skills, platforms, and networks they need to thrive in an evolving digital world.
“To every young Nigerian innovator, tech founder, designer, and change-maker: your time is now. The world is paying attention, and Nigeria is ready,” the Minister concluded.
Additionally, a GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series powered by NiYA is being developed to ensure a steady pipeline of Nigerian talent feeds into global platforms such as GITEX Africa and GITEX Global, further integrating the country into the international innovation ecosystem.
The visit also featured a strategic meeting with His Excellency Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. Discussions focused on collaboration in AI education, business process outsourcing, startup incubation, and remote work innovations — all critical areas for youth employment and digital transformation in Nigeria.
“The future belongs to those who innovate. Our mission is to position Nigerian youth as creators, not just consumers, in the global digital economy,” the Minister added.
ADEOLA KUNLE
