Victor EzejaThe United States Consul General, Will Stevens, has advised Nigerian youths to take advantage of the ongoing digital revolution by acquiring vital skills to create wealth.
Stevens said Nigeria with its large youthful population and vibrant energy, has the potential to be at the forefront of “shaping the future of work not only in Africa but on a global scale.”
The US envoy, who spoke at the launch of the Future of Work in Africa Report on Thursday, in Lagos, contended that the country’s greatest resource is not oil, but the people imbued with uncommon entrepreneurial energy.
He noted that to tap into the ongoing transformation requires the ability to embrace change and adapt by focusing on education and skill development that would help achieve that.
“Digital technologies create exciting new opportunities and have the potential of placing prosperity within reach for more people than ever before.
“The digital revolution is transforming industries, creating new job categories, and demanding a new set of skills. Nigeria, with its youthful population and dynamic energy, stands at the forefront of shaping the future of work not only in Africa but on a global scale.
“As we navigate this transformation, our focus must be on education and skill development, ensuring that our workforce is equipped to thrive in the 21st century,” he stated.
He stressed that many countries in the world today are looking to create an eco-system that will foster innovation in order to create jobs for their young people and ensure the future competitiveness of their economy and Nigeria must not be an exception.
Stevens highlighted various success stories of US.-Nigeria partnerhip which includes significant investments in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem by American companies such as Microsoft and Meta, adding that they are using “the latest technological innovations to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges in education, healthcare, agriculture, and other vital areas of development and economic growth.”
“At the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, we are deeply committed to supporting the aspirations and dreams of Nigerian youth as they navigate the evolving landscape of employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. I am proud of the United States’ many contributions to this necessary transfer of skills and mentoring here in Nigeria,” the Stevens added.
In the area of entrepreneurship, he cited examples of programmes sponsored by .US. Mission in Nigeria such as the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). According to him, “This program combines mentoring and networking opportunities with a curriculum developed by one of the top U.S. business schools. We have seen 890 women entrepreneurs graduate from this program since its inception in 2019. The successes we have recorded through this program demonstrate how targeted training can change lives, take small enterprises to the next level, create employment, and empower women entrepreneurs.
“Another way we support youth innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity is through our network of 25 tech-enabled American Spaces across Nigeria. Each American Space, like where we are here in Lekki, serves as a gateway to a wealth of resources, offering visitors the opportunity to learn essential digital skills, from basic computer literacy to more specialized courses on coding, digital marketing, and cybersecurity.”
He also disclosed that there are spaces to learn about how to study in the United States from Education USA advisers and urged the young people to enquire at American Corner Director to register and learn more about the resources and programs available for their advancement.
U.S. Consul General also emphasised that as a growing economy, Nigeria needs to create an inclusive workforce, and no one should be left behind.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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