News
Advancing NiYA: Youth Minister Strengthens Tinubu’s Vision Through International Ties
Joel Ajayi
In continuation of the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians for the demands of the global digital economy, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has embarked on a strategic mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), forging key international partnerships to advance youth innovation, enterprise, and digital capacity-building.
During a high-level engagement with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), a leading institution in youth enterprise and innovation, the Minister explored areas of collaboration in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA).
The initiative aims to empower over 7 million young Nigerians with digital skills, entrepreneurial training, civic leadership development, and access to international opportunities.
“We are building bridges between Nigerian youth and global innovation ecosystems. Sheraa’s mission to nurture talent aligns perfectly with our goal of unlocking the creative and entrepreneurial potential of our young people,” the Minister stated.
In a landmark development, the Minister announced a strategic partnership with GITEX Global, one of the world’s foremost technology and innovation platforms. From September 1st to 4th, 2025, Nigeria will host a GITEX-powered National Digital Innovation Showcase, designed to spotlight the creativity and ingenuity of Nigerian youth on a global stage.
Through this initiative, 300 high-potential Nigerian startups will be selected for global visibility, access to international markets, and targeted support for growth and scale.
This effort is in close collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under the leadership of its Director-General, Dr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, who joined the Minister during the engagements.
Highlighting the domestic rollout of NiYA, the Minister noted that over 210,000 young Nigerians have already been onboarded. Green House Centres are being established across all 774 Local Government Areas nationwide, providing structured training, enterprise support, and access to emerging technologies.
In addition, a GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series – Powered by NiYA is being developed to create a sustained pipeline of Nigerian talent into global platforms such as GITEX Africa and GITEX Global, further integrating Nigeria into the international 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, sectors critical to youth employment and digital transformation in Nigeria.
“The future belongs to those who innovate. Our mission is to position Nigerian youth as creators, not just consumers, in the global digital economy,” the Minister affirmed. “We are laying the foundation for a generation of leaders who will define Africa’s tech-driven future.”
These engagements reinforce the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to building strategic global partnerships that will provide Nigerian youth with the tools, platforms, and networks required 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.
Business
Youths to Explore Non-Oil Export Opportunities with NEXIM Bank MD at APC Youth Breakfast Session
By Joel Ajayi
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr. Abubakar Abba Bello, is set to engage young Nigerian entrepreneurs and business owners on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 9 a.m., in a high-level breakfast session focused on non-oil export opportunities and wealth creation.
The event, organized by the Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the National Youth Leader, Hon. Dayo Israel, is part of a broader initiative to drive foreign exchange inflows and empower the next generation of business leaders. The session will be streamed live online and is open to participants nationwide, with registration required via bit.ly/abbabellonexim.
Hon. Dayo Israel emphasized the importance of boosting non-oil exports to stimulate job creation and economic diversification in Nigeria.
“If we are to create more local jobs and attract foreign exchange, we must scale up non-oil exports. Our young entrepreneurs need access to funding, technical support, and market information. That’s why we are excited to host the MD of NEXIM Bank—to connect them directly with Nigeria’s top export facilitator,” he said.
Mr. Bello’s engagement will cover key areas such as: Access to finance for SMEs and agribusinesses, Export readiness and leveraging opportunities in AfCFTA, Exploring new markets for non-oil products, NEXIM Bank’s role in promoting agro-led export growthand Empowering Nigerian youth to build globally competitive enterprises
This session follows a successful lineup of recent events at the APC Youth House, including discussions with the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko. Over 100 young participants have also benefited from various capacity-building workshops hosted by the Youth Wing.
According to Hon. Israel, the Youth Wing remains committed to aligning its programs with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
“It’s a packed week of transformative sessions at the Youth House. We’re shaping the minds of our young progressives and building a future driven by innovation, export, and enterprise,” he added.
NEXIM Bank, as Nigeria’s premier export credit agency, plays a strategic role in promoting non-oil export and providing financial solutions that stimulate inclusive economic growth.
This partnership with the APC Youth Wing is a significant step towards integrating young Nigerians into global trade and positioning them for long-term business success.
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