I will support partnerships aimed at creating employment – Tinubu

Kangmwa GofwenJanuary 25, 20242 Mins read247

President Bola Tinubu has said his administration will support public-private partnerships that aim at creating employment opportunities for Nigerian youths because they are eager to learn and compete globally.

He made this known at a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of MasterCard Foundation, Ms Reeta Roy, at the State House, Abuja. He said leadership is necessary because Nigeria is blessed with a vibrant youth population.

“We must give hope and assurance to our teeming youth population. God has blessed Nigeria with a vibrant youth population ready to learn and capable of competing in the global economy of the 21st century. Leadership is what is necessary”.

“The incubation is growing, and we are earning a good reputation, and we will continue to do that across sectors of the economy in order to achieve sustainable growth”, Tinubu said.

The President said the MasterCard Foundation’s initiative to empower 10 million youths in the country is in line with his “Renewed Hope Agenda” for economic development and job creation. He also stated that his government is ready to remove any impediment to build a solid foundation for growth.

According to him, “We believe in what you are doing. We are determined to run an inclusive government and change the dynamics and perception of this country. Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and, as such, must take the leadership of this continent very seriously.

“We are ready to work with you and remove all impediments, and we have assembled a great team to work with you. The hope of the youth must be built on a solid foundation of sustainable growth and prosperity. We are working with other partners, and we assure you of our robust and focused collaboration,” he said.

On her part, CEO of the Foundation, Ms. Reeta, told the President that the foundation aims to impact 30 million young Africans by 2030, through education and financial inclusion. She also added that 2.1 million young people trained under the ‘Young Africa Work Strategy’ were already engaged in dignified work.

“We are still on a journey and have more work to do. We are excited about looking at a whole new frontier, and that is in the healthcare sector”.

“While we may not historically be a health organisation or health foundation, we are looking at that sector as part of a vibrant economic landscape ripe with opportunities for young people and our focus will be on workforce development,” she said.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu departed for Paris, France yesterday on a private visit amidst the burning crisis in Plateau State. He is billed to return in the first week of February according to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.