Congratulations to the Honourable Minister on this important milestone.
It was a privilege to serve as a member of the committee that reviewed and analyzed the restructuring of the NYSC. The Scheme holds immense potential, and we remain committed to ensuring it fully delivers on its promise to Nigerian youths by equipping them with the skills, opportunities, and experiences needed to thrive.
Well done, Honourable Minister, Ayodele Olawande. Thank you, Hadiza Bala Usman @hadizabalausman , for your leadership and support.
@fmydNG Excellent! After all is said and done, the reforms of Mr. President is bound to lead to massive investment and jobs, hence the aggressive drive to ensure we have the right manpower mostly youth, to take up the jobs. Why HM @fmydNG is always leading the charge #TalentStreamNg
Youth Minister Advances Tinubu’s NiYA Vision Through Strategic Global Partnerships
In furtherance of the Federal Government’s commitment to preparing Nigerian youth for the demands of the global digital economy, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has embarked on a high-level mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he is forging transformative international partnerships to scale innovation, enterprise, and digital capacity-building among young Nigerians.
At the heart of the Minister’s engagements was a strategic session with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), a global leader in youth-driven innovation. The meeting explored collaborative pathways to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA)—an ambitious initiative aimed at empowering over seven million young Nigerians with digital skills, entrepreneurship training, civic leadership development, and international exposure.
“We are building bridges between Nigerian youth and global innovation ecosystems,” the Minister said. “Sheraa’s mission to nurture talent aligns seamlessly with our goal of unlocking the creative and entrepreneurial potential of our young people.”
In a major development, the Minister announced a strategic partnership with GITEX Global, one of the world’s foremost technology and innovation platforms. From September 1–4, 2025, Nigeria will host a GITEX-powered National Digital Innovation Showcase, designed to spotlight Nigerian youth talent on the global stage.
Through this initiative, 300 high-potential Nigerian startups will be selected for international visibility, access to global markets, and tailored support for growth and scale. The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), whose Director-General, Dr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, joined the Minister for the UAE engagements.
Highlighting the progress of NiYA’s domestic rollout, the Minister revealed that over 210,000 Nigerian youth have already been onboarded. Green House Centres are being established across all 774 Local Government Areas, serving as local hubs for structured training, enterprise support, and access to emerging technologies.
To further deepen international exposure, a GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series – Powered by NiYA is also in development. This initiative will build a continuous talent pipeline into prestigious platforms such as GITEX Africa and GITEX Global, embedding Nigeria firmly within the global innovation ecosystem.
The visit also included a strategic meeting with His Excellency Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. Discussions focused on collaborative opportunities in AI education, business process outsourcing (BPO), startup incubation, and remote work innovations—all critical sectors for job creation and digital transformation in Nigeria.
“The future belongs to those who innovate,” the Minister noted. “Our mission is to position Nigerian youth as creators—not just consumers—in the global digital economy. We are laying the foundation for a generation of leaders who will shape Africa’s tech-driven future.”
These engagements reinforce the Federal Government’s commitment to forging strategic global alliances that will equip Nigerian youth with the tools, platforms, and networks they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
“To every young Nigerian innovator, tech founder, designer, and change-maker: your time is now. The world is paying attention—and Nigeria is ready,” the Minister concluded.
Other reputable organisations and government functionaries engaged during the Minister’s visit include HE. Dr. Sultan Bin Saif Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister; Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI); Dubai Cares; Hub 71 Dubai; ALEF Education; and Dubai Future Foundation.
Today marks the grand opening of the prestigious 2025 National Cyber Security Conference in Abuja, a groundbreaking event graciously addressing evolving cyber threats and strengthening our national security and defenses.
It holds under the visionary theme, “Building a Resilient Digital Future,” embarking on a paramount mission to fortify Nigeria's digital landscape as one of the desires of President @officialABAT's Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen national security for peace and prosperity.
While giving his opening remarks, the Director-General, @KashifuInuwa, has set forth guide and efforts towards building a resilient digital future: aiming to reinforce the resilience of our national cyber security framework, bolster our defenses, cultivate global partnerships, advocate for comprehensive cybersecurity education, invest in innovative technological solutions, and honour the trailblazers in the field of cybersecurity.
He added the need to unite to strengthen the digital backbone of the nation, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for all.
#NCSC2025
As part of our ongoing drive to unlock global opportunities for Nigerian youth, I’m proud to announce a strategic involvement with GITEX Global — one of the world’s premier platforms for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
From 1st to 4th, September, 2025, this partnership will deliver a strategic digital event across Nigeria to spotlight the creativity and potential of young Nigerians, with 300 promising startups to be selected nationwide for global exposure, international partnerships, and scale-up support.
This achievement was made possible through strong inter-agency collaboration. I was joined at the meeting by the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi — a testament to our shared commitment to building a unified digital future for Nigeria’s youth.
Through NiYA – the Nigerian Youth Academy, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are training over 7 million young people in digital skills and entrepreneurship. With 210,000+ already onboarded and Green House Centres launching across all 774 LGAs, NiYA is empowering grassroots talent at scale.
We’re also proposing the GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series – Powered by NiYA to connect this energy directly with global tech and innovation ecosystems like GITEX Africa and GITEX Global.
To every young innovator, coder, designer, and founder across Nigeria — your time is now. Get ready. The world is watching. And Nigeria is rising.
#DigitalNigeria #NiYA #GITEX2025 #NITDA #YouthEmpowerment #InnovationEcosystem #NigeriaToTheWorld #NoOneLeftBehind #InterAgencyCollaboration
🎉 Google is officially joining WiSci Girls STEAM Camp 2025 as a sponsor! With a shared commitment to innovation and access, Google is helping power the dreams of young girls across Southern Africa. 🌍✨
#WiSci2025#GirlsInSTEAM#GirlPowered#STEAMforChange
Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's cybersecurity ecosystem.
NITDA, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), QNA, and key public and private sector partners, officially announced the first-ever National Cybersecurity Conference 2025 at a press conference held at the agency's headquarters in Abuja.
The conference is scheduled to be held on July 9th and 10th, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria.
The theme, “Building a Resilient Digital Future,” highlights the urgent need for strong cybersecurity measures in a rapidly evolving digital world.
The conference will bring together policymakers, cybersecurity professionals, international experts, and industry leaders from Nigeria, Africa, and around the globe. This aligns with the President's Renewed Hope Agenda of strengthening national security for peace and prosperity.
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE @NGRPresident@asovilladigital
PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMENDS GOOGLE CEO SUNDAR PICHAI FOR ADVANCING AI AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN NIGERIA
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai for the interest of the company in advancing Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation in Nigeria.
President Tinubu met the Google team in Paris on Wednesday in company of Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani.
Google Team engaged in constructive discussions with President Tinubu aimed at forging a strategic partnership to enhance Nigeria’s journey towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.
The collaboration seeks to position Nigeria as a prominent technology and innovation hub, leveraging AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure to foster economic growth and enhance global competitiveness.
The ongoing conversations focus on key initiatives such as expanding digital infrastructure in Nigeria, equipping the workforce with essential digital skills for the future, promoting AI-driven research and innovation, encouraging greater cloud adoption across various industries, and establishing Nigeria as a key player in the global digital economy.
President Tinubu emphasised that this partnership aligns seamlessly with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, centred on economic diversification through industrialisation, technology, and innovation. The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy will provide strategic oversight, while the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will coordinate efforts alongside the private sector to ensure widespread and meaningful impact.
Speaking at the meeting, Google CEO Sundar Pichai reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation, stating: “Nigeria has an incredible opportunity to lead in AI and digital innovation in Africa. Google is excited to continue working with the Nigerian government to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and economic growth.”
Speaking on the engagement with the President, Dr. Bosun Tijani said partnership between Nigeria and Google represents an important opportunity to accelerate Nigeria’s technological advancement and strengthen our digital economy. He further stated that Nigeria is committed to ensuring that AI and digital transformation create tangible benefits for businesses and citizens across the country.
President Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s potential as a burgeoning global technology destination and expressed his commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts strategic investments from leading tech companies. He appreciated Google’s ongoing involvement in Nigeria’s digital transformation and its contribution to opening new opportunities for businesses and young talents.
The discussions will continue as both parties look to deepen their collaboration and expedite Nigeria’s digital transformation, paving the way for sustainable economic growth.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
February 12, 2025
The launch of the Youth Initiatives Dashboard by the Honorable Minister for Youth Development @ayowisdom_ , was successful.
This platform connects young Nigerians to programs, policies, and opportunities that shape their future🚀
https://t.co/fryC65aZaP
#YouthIniNgr#YAD#YID
As a lead partner, @MindThe_GapNG is excited to collaborate with the Hon. Minister @fmydNG@UNFPANigeria to rebuild the INSTITUTIONAL and COORDINATION Capacity of @fmydNG, Professionalize Youth Work and attract strategic Partnership for accelerated #YouthDevNg