The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has expressed its backing for the Federal Government’s plan to create over two million digital jobs as part of its efforts to combat unemployment in the country.
Vanessa Phala, the ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, made this announcement during the World Youth Skills Day event held in Abuja on Friday.
Under the theme “Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future: Building Skills for Tomorrow,” Phala highlighted the significant role played by the digital economy in shaping Nigeria’s industrial sector and creating numerous opportunities.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s youthful population, Phala emphasized the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital world.
She stated, “Today, we gather to celebrate the remarkable potential of our young people and to emphasize the critical role of skills development in preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.”
Recognizing the need for investment in Nigeria’s youth, Phala stressed the importance of providing them with the right skills and creating an enabling environment that nurtures their talents.
Highlighting the ILO’s support for the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Phala mentioned the collaborative efforts to develop the Nigerian Youth Development Action Plan, with a focus on entrepreneurship and other key areas.
To fully leverage the potential of the digital era, Phala emphasized the importance of not only providing technological training but also fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills among young people.
She further pledged the ILO’s commitment to assisting the government in its digital transformation agenda, supporting the creation of over two million jobs in the digital economy.
In his opening address, George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, emphasized the need to harness the potential of young people as catalysts for transformative change, particularly in the green, digital, and creative sectors.
Akume underscored the collaborative efforts aimed at bridging the skills gap and empowering Nigerian youths, highlighting the importance of addressing their challenges and utilizing their potential for significant societal transformation.