Enterprise, Skills Devt For Nigerian Youths Our Priority – Pantami

The minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Pantami said the current administration’s industrialisation effort through skills acquisition will boost the nation’s economy and place it in the chart of developing nations.

Pantami stated this at the official launch of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDICE) programme at the State House in Abuja.

IDICE is a programme conceived to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Digital Technology and Creative industries with the target of boosting job creation for youth entrepreneurs between 15 to 35 years.

Spearheaded by a presidential advisory council chaired by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, with the mandate to address specific gaps in Nigeria’s Technology and Creatively ecosystem, IDICE is designed to also deal with constraints in the industry such as access to risk capital and other innovation challenges faced by start-ups.

The programme comprises three components and is designed to create over 6 million jobs for youths via enterprise and skills developments; expanding access to finance and creating enabling environment and institutional support.

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The programme is estimated to cost $6 million and will be co-funded by African Development Bank; Agence Francaise de Development; Islamic Development Bank and the Bank of Industry.

Pantami who was represented by the managing director and chief executive officer of Galaxy Backbone, Dr Bello Muhammed Abubakar, explained that having lost out in the first, second and third industrial revolutions that transformed developed nations, Nigeria is utilising the opportunity provided by the fourth industrial revolution more so that it is the 6th most populous nation in the world.

According to Pantami, China as the world’s most populous country is doing well in industrial development and Nigeria’s youthful populace will do the same when equipped with the relevant skills.