President Bola Tinubu has expressed the willingness of the federal government to support global tech giant, Google Incorporated, to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria.
The president gave the assurance at the State House yesterday during the visit of Google Global vice president, Mr. Richard Gingras.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, President Tinubu told the visiting Google executive that Nigeria had creative and talented young people who are ready and motivated to learn especially at this age of Artificial Intelligence, stressing that the tech giant has the capabilities and tools young people need to excel.
“I am glad that Google is ready to partner with us. You have answered our call on digital innovation and to help our youths. You are supporting our efforts to promote digital economy. We are ready to work with you on your commitment to create 1 million digital jobs in Nigeria.
“We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility. We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous,” Tinubu said.
On Google’s promotion of free speech, freedom of the press and democracy through its platforms, President Tinubu declared that it is in public interest that free speech and press freedom should not be impeded.
“It is in public interest to continue to defend free press and free speech. We are committed to supporting a free society,” the president said.
In his address, the Google vice president told Tinubu that he was in Nigeria for the West Africa Journalism Innovation Conference.
He said he had been inspired by the creativity and talent of young people in Nigeria who are embracing technology and digital tools to expand access to information and promote democracy.
Mr. Gingras told President Tinubu that his organisation has deep interest in Nigeria and stands ready to support the federal government.
He listed the many capabilities of Google to include areas of Artificial Intelligence and other digital innovations that are empowering young people to become digital entrepreneurs, adding that Google subsea cable, Equiano was named after Nigerian slave abolitionist that will significantly impact future internet connectivity demands landed in Nigeria in April 2022.
He also promised that Google would help to secure Nigeria in the age of disinformation and fake news, saying that his organisation seeks to continue its partnership with the Nigerian government.
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