InnoPower Africa Foundation has entered into partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to connect thousands of young Nigerian professionals with remote job opportunities in diaspora-owned businesses across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
The director, InnoPower Africa Foundation, Remy Chukwunyere in a statement said the initiative was aimed at addressing youth unemployment by preparing Nigerian youths to compete in the global digital economy.
The partnership, he said, would establish a comprehensive ecosystem involving Nigeria’s top institutions, including ITANA to facilitate the recruitment and deployment of talented Nigerian youths worldwide through a secure digital business zone, the University of Lagos’ African Research Universities Alliance Centre of Excellence for Unemployment and Skills Development and the National Talent Export Programme.
The founder of InnoPower Africa, Emil Ekiyor, noted that Nigerian talents are world-class, innovative and ready to deliver exceptional value to businesses globally.
According to him, what has been missing is not capability but access, preparation and connection to opportunities.
“Through this collaboration with NIDCOM and our talent ecosystem partners, we are building the infrastructure to make Nigerian professionals visible and competitive in markets where their skills are desperately needed.
“Nigeria is home to Africa’s largest population of digitally-savvy, ambitious and educated youths, who are eager to contribute their skills to the global marketplace.
“This initiative specifically targets diaspora-owned businesses that require skilled virtual assistants, digital marketers, business support professionals, and remote service providers, creating mutually beneficial relationships that drive economic growth on both continents,” Ekiyor said.
He explained that the initiative begins with a paid internship programme at the University of Lagos, offering high-achieving students the chance to gain real-world experiences with international businesses.
“This innovative programme provides a pathway for university students to engage with the professional workforce, develop global business skills, and transition smoothly into full-time remote jobs after graduation,”Ekiyor added.
The chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Arewa, said the commission is proud to champion the initiative which embodied its core mandate of mobilising the Nigerian diaspora as active participants in solving the nation’s challenges.
“Nigerians abroad are employers, mentors, and champions who can directly create opportunities for their brothers and sisters at home,” she said.
