News
9ja Food Fiesta Empowers 2,000 Youth in Agriculture, IT Others, Target another 8,000
Joel Ajayi
As part of it’s contribution to ensure many Nigerian Youth realize their dream of self-reliance and become employer of Labour, an organization known as 9ja Food Fiesta has empowered 2,000 youth in the areas of Culinary TrainingPromoting Farming Culture in Young People, ICT TrainingAgriculture, IT, Culinary amongst the. Others.
Speaking at the certificate presentation ceremony to the beneficiaries at MKO Abiola stadium, Abuja, on Thursday, the Convener of the 9ja Food fiesta, Mohammed Mustapha said the programme was designed to empower the youths in the face of economic challenges.
According to him, we recognize the importance of unity and collective effort in addressing the challenges faced by the less privileged in our society.
“I’m a sports person and it was from there I learnt how to discover and nurture talent. Being a youth and seeing youths doing nothing, I was compelled to set an NGO which has to do with training on ICT, agriculture and culinary skills for 2000 youths free of charge.
“Today, we have come together to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need.
“Our primary objective for this event is to train and empower youths, thereby creating new breadwinners of every household.
“The goal of the 9ja Food Fiesta is to bridge the gap between those who have the means to give and those who are in need.
“Our hope is that this event will serve as a cata for continuous support and engagement from individuals and businesses within our community and we aim to achieve that through
“Our target for today is not just monetary; we also aim to foster a sense of community spirit, encouraging everyone present to become ambassadors of change. We hope to inspire you to continue supporting these causes beyond this event and to bring others along on this journey of giving.
“We are looking forward to more partners to empower them to ensure the skills to generate income. We are the future and must stand up to help ourselves. We don’t have to wait till we get to the top,” he said.
Speaking at the event was the lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory senatorial district, Senator Ireti Kingibe who urged the youths residing in the nation’s capital of Abuja to demand and fight for their rights as residents.
She decried yet again the rising insecurities as well as the poor road conditions and school facilities.
“Your voice must not be silenced. You must demand for your rights. There is insecurity in FCT, demand for the proper use of your money. I am your senator and I will fight for you as well. There is no water and good roads.
“Your money should not be used to build roads you don’t use. Your money should be used to build roads where there are no roads. Our schools are in a deplorable state. Don’t sit quiet. Don’t ever let your voice be silenced. You are the future,” she said.
News
FG Targets 50,000 Youths for Digital Jobs, Deepens Partnerships for Nationwide Empowerment Drive
Joel Ajayi
Federal Government has intensified efforts to empower young Nigerians through strategic partnerships, digital skills development, and inclusive programmes aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made this known during a media interview with African Independent Television (AIT), where he outlined a renewed policy direction focused on measurable impact, transparency, and large-scale youth engagement.
At the core of this effort, he explained, is a landmark partnership with the Digital School (TDS), supported by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, targeting the training of 50,000 Nigerian youths in globally competitive digital skills.
The Minister noted that the initiative is expected to produce at least 5,000 internationally certified and job-ready youths within the first six months of implementation.
Comrade Olawande also highlighted the Ministry’s sector-specific collaborations, including its partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aimed at boosting youth participation in agriculture. He added that this is being complemented by expanded programmes under the Nigerian Youth Academy and other key youth empowerment initiatives.
He further disclosed that the government is scaling up internship, gig economy, and startup support programmes to reach a wider range of beneficiaries across the country, while also intensifying efforts to promote digital literacy through The Digital School (TDS) initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
To enhance transparency and ensure merit-based access to opportunities, the Ministry has introduced a digital engagement platform, “Nigerian New Tech.” He added that ongoing reforms in youth health, financial inclusion, and social protection are also broadening opportunities for young Nigerians.
During the interview, the Honourable Minister said:“We are moving away from fragmented and tokenistic approaches to youth development. Our focus is to build sustainable systems that empower young Nigerians at scale and with real impact.”
“Through our partnership with The Digital School and the UAE Government, we are not just training youths; we are preparing them for global opportunities, whether they choose to work remotely or internationally.”
“For too long, many young Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, have been excluded from structured opportunities. This administration is committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind.”
“Our role as government is to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“Transparency and merit are at the core of all our programmes. Access to opportunities should not depend on who you know, but on your capacity and readiness to grow.”
The Honourable Minister reaffirmed that youth development remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, assuring that the Ministry will continue to deepen partnerships, expand programmes, and implement sustainable frameworks for the benefit of present and future generations.
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