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FG unveils initiative to boost youth employment, enhance Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings
FG unveils initiative to boost youth employment, enhance Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings
ON the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Bola Tinubu at the weekend launched the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) in a bid to shore up Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
President Tinubu was represented at the launch by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.
The new initiative seeks to position Nigeria as an export hub for talent outsourcing in Africa following the example of India, Bangladesh, Mexico and The Philippines.
The unveiling of the programme took place at the Microsoft Office in New York, United States of America, on Friday, September 22, 2023.
A number of dignitaries from multilateral institutions and global tech giants joined the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment and her counterpart from the Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, on the occasion.
Among those who attended were Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, Mr. John G. Coumantaros, Chairman, US-Nigeria Business Council, Dr. Floriezelle Liser, President and Chief Executive, Corporate Council on Africa, Amal Hassan, Chief Executive, Outsource Global, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Adaora Ikenze, Meta Head of Public Policy for West and Central Africa, Ola Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, who joined online, Joel Ogunsola, Chief Executive, TechDev, and Dr. Femi Adeluyi, National Coordinator of the programme.
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Also present were Ursula Wynhoven, Representative of the International Telecommunication Union at the United Nations, Dr. Armstrong Takang, Chief Executive of Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Mr. Charles Murito, Director, Sub Saharan Africa – Government Affairs & Public Policy, Google, Mr. Charles Okochu, Senior Business Development Manager, Amazon AWS, and Michelle Masuzyo Nsanzumuco, AfCFTA Digital Trade Expert.
In her welcome address on behalf of President Tinubu, Dr. Uzoka-Anite noted that the National Talent Export Programme is a key national initiative that will serve as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to position Nigeria as a leading global hub for service exports, talent sourcing and talent exports.
According to the Minister, NATEP will serve as a dedicated entity to address the unique needs and challenges faced by the talent and service export industry.
The programme will lay special emphasis on enhancing competitiveness, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth through trade in services.
The minister further noted that NATEP is part of the strategy towards achieving President Tinubu’s agenda for job creation.
The NATEP initiative will target the creation of 1 million in-demand jobs across Nigeria, over a 5-year period.
“This initiative will do three things for us as a country. One, it will create millions of jobs for our young people over the next 5 years and beyond. Secondly, it will bring in foreign exchange that our economy needs through remittances from talents that will be exported abroad and those that will be living in Nigeria and working remotely for organisations outside Nigeria and thirdly, it will generate huge tax income for state governments,” the minister said.
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In her goodwill message, the Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, Saadia Zahidi, said NATEP is a timely initiative to address the very important areas of skills and jobs for Nigeria and the world.
She stated that the WEF looks forward to partnering with Nigeria on the programme.
“This is an important programme that is coming at the right time. We at WEF stand ready to work with the Nigerian government on this great initiative.”
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who praised her counterpart for spearheading the NATEP initiative, said his ministry would collaborate and support the programme to ensure it delivers on the set objectives.
Dr. Tijani explained the importance of talents and in-demand workforce as critical part of the global economic structure, saying such is the reason why leading countries across the world are intentional about attracting and retaining top talents.
Other speakers at the event also acknowledged how auspicious and ambitious NATEP is as a national initiative capable of changing the economic fortunes of Nigeria just like India that attracts over $300 billion annually from talents export. The speakers commended the Federal Government on the laudable initiative and gave their commitment towards supporting the programme.
A panel discussion that took place during the event was moderated by the National Coordinator of NATEP, with Amal Hassan, Ola Williams and Adaora Ikenze serving as panelists.
The panel discussion attracted a lot of positive feedback from the participants and elicited their commitment to working together to support the NATEP initiative.
The event ended with the unveiling of the NATEP logo with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment indicating to the world that Nigeria is ready to become a global hub for talent exports.
FG unveils initiative to boost youth employment, enhance Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings
News
UK lawmaker lauds EFCC, says Africa underestimates its strength
UK lawmaker lauds EFCC, says Africa underestimates its strength
In a significant boost to Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has received international recognition for its tireless work in tackling corruption.
Baroness Verma Sandy of Leicester, a member of the United Kingdom’s House of Lords, has commended the EFCC for its dedication to fighting corruption and promoting good governance in Nigeria.
During a visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Friday, Baroness Verma Sandy praised the Commission’s new leadership under Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, for repositioning the organization on the path of professionalism and effectiveness.
She expressed confidence that the EFCC’s efforts would help change the global perception of Africa and build new confidence in the continent.
The Baroness, who led a six-man delegation of the UK-based African Leadership Organisation, acknowledged the EFCC’s efforts in shaping better narratives for Nigeria and praised the Commission’s innovative approaches to tackling corruption.
She emphasized the importance of international collaboration in the fight against corruption and encouraged the EFCC to continue its good work.
Sandy said: “We are so glad to be here. It is important having this organization led by somebody who has brought incredible positive changes to the country. And I want to thank all of your colleagues here for engaging with us today. I believe passionately on the strength of the African Continent. I am not connected at all to Africa, but I have been a champion for a continent that has under-estimated its own strength but has got so much to offer the world. And I think your organization will help change the perceptions and build new confidence. So, I am so pleased and honoured to be here.”
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EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olukoyede, thanked the Baroness and her delegation for identifying with the Commission and acknowledging its efforts.
He reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to tackling corruption and promoting good governance, emphasizing that corruption is a major obstacle to Africa’s development.
He highlighted the Commission’s new focus on prevention and addressing systemic issues that enable corruption, as well as its efforts to stimulate economic growth and prevent foreign exchange sharp practices.
News
We’re impressed by Tinubu’s security strategies – UK Govt
We’re impressed by Tinubu’s security strategies – UK Govt
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has said the United Kingdom is impressed by the security strategies President Tinubu has put in place, even as he restated the support of the United Kingdom for the Nigerian government in this direction, including transparency and accountability in governance.
In his goodwill message, during a High-level Dialogue on Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda on the theme, “Nigeria’s Global Ambitions: From Hope to Reality,” in Abuja, Richard Montgomery commends Tinubu’s agenda for its focus on priorities and delivery.
“I’d like to use this opportunity to express the whole lot of support of my government to the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu. We commend his agenda for its focus on priorities and delivery. We acknowledge that you have done a lot to put in place transparency and accountability.”
Also, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, while declaring the forum open, extended warm appreciation to participants, noting that their presence underscored the importance of the efforts towards advancing Nigeria’s economic agenda under President Tinubu.
She stated that the gathering, initiated by the Office of the Vice President, highlights the role of the international corporation in delivering the remarkable goals of the President’s laudable Renewed Hope Agenda.
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Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended the stakeholders’ efforts led by Vice President Shettima which led to the convening of the high-level forum to mark the first year anniversary of the Tinubu Administration.
He said the gathering was both to reflect on the last year and look ahead to the next three years, emphasizing the role of the International Corporation in achieving Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
On his part, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, said the past year marking President Tinubu’s one year in office had been successful despite being challenging, assuring that the Tinubu-led government is an administration that will renew the hope of Nigerians.
Noting that the event highlighted the importance of international cooperation, Bagudu thanked VP Shettima for gracing the occasion, saying, “Not surprisingly, you chose to come in person to show importance, particularly to partners in the diplomatic and development world, that Nigeria appreciates them and that international cooperation is important to us and it is rooted in our constitution, is rooted in our development plans and is rooted in our Renewed hope agenda.
“Not surprisingly, Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shetiima, over the last one year, have engaged globally and locally with institutions that represent development partnership, multilateral institutions, and bilateral institutions, consistent with our development agenda”.
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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, represented by Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Cooperation, Mr. Dapo Oyewole, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to long-lasting partnership with the global community.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign policy will continue to accommodate the interests of all Nigerians and ensure mutual and beneficial partnerships with all nations,” Oyewole said.
Oyewole added that Nigeria will continue to work to unlock all hidden economic treasures in the country.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said the event marked a critical reflection point for all who have explored optimally to harness international corporations in achieving the noble goals of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Expressing delight with the theme of the dialogue, “Leveraging International Cooperation to Enhance Trade, Investment and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” he said the Bank of Industry has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of strategic partnership in driving economic growth and fostering inclusive development under the Tinubu administration.
Also in attendance were Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kenedy Ohaneye; European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Samuel Isopi; Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head of Central Delivery Unit, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission; and Acting Country Director of World Bank, Nigeria.
We’re impressed by Tinubu’s security strategies – UK Govt
News
Don’t involve Bello’s children in corruption fight, rights group tells EFCC
Don’t involve Bello’s children in corruption fight, rights group tells EFCC
The Child’s Rights Advocacy Network (CHILDRANE) has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to leave out the children of former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, from the probe of N80 billion money laundering charges it has levelled against him.
The spokesperson, CHILDRANE, Emmanuel Abah, during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, denounced the breach of privacy and other safeguards of Bello’s children via repeated references to them in EFCC’s press conferences and statements.
Abah emphasised the need to protect children’s rights during legal processes.
He warned that “Nigerian child, our hope of any meaningful tomorrow as a nation, were now increasingly an endangered species.
”The EFCC had confirmed the receipt of the refund of $760,000 paid as advance school fees by Bello for his children at the American International School, Abuja.
The school had asked the EFCC to provide “authentic banking details” for the refund of fees paid for the children of the former governor.
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But Abah condemned the action of the school for publicly disclosing her refund of the school fees paid for the children by their family to the EFCC, especially as the action potentially violated the judgment in a case by the Bello family in which the school was a party, while summarily jeopardising the well-being of children to whom she owed a direct duty of care.
UK lawmaker lauds EFCC, says Africa underestimates its strength
We’re impressed by Tinubu’s security strategies – UK Govt
Don’t involve Bello’s children in corruption fight, rights group tells EFCC
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