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Alliance move to establish living lab in the Niger Delta

Published

2 years ago

August 24, 2022

The Federal Ministry of Niger Delta and the implementers of living lab in Nigeria, Green Sahara Farms have begun plans to establish a living lab for nature and people in the Niger Delta in a bid to find balance between human needs and nature”

The aim is to transition from a fossil based linear economy to a circular bio economy with landscape restoration as a foundation and in the case of the Niger Delta, the restoration of mangrove plantation would be the foundation for the transition.

The living lab will also focus on the usage of renewable natural resources instead of petrochemicals which cause damage to the environment as a base resource in agro forestry, medicine, housing,bio fertilizers,bio pharmaceuticals” .

The minister of State Niger Delta Sharon ikoeazor drew attention to divestment by major oil companies in the Niger Delta to invest in sustainable ventures.

She lamented that the devastation caused by the activities of oil companies in the Niger Delta has caused loss of livelihoods and other social and economic problems.

“Today, environmental degradation is not the problem of the Niger Delta or Nigeria but a global problem which affects everyone on earth. The recent global climate related calamities and the growth of investment in alternative and renewable energy It is important the Niger Delta is prepared for life after oil.”

The Minister stressed that partnerships like this which has the community at the center of economic restoration of the devastated landscape will provide a more sustainable source of livelihoods to the citizens of the Delta.

The founder/CEO of Green Sahara farms Suleiman Dikwa noted that for the first time in History there is an alignment of interest between the west and the underdeveloped world as activities of a rural fisherman affects the life of the residents of Seoul ,New York Paris,Tokyo etc.

He stressed that everyone has agreed that conservation is no longer sustainable but to adapt business models which create sustainable economic activities while restoring landscapes.

Dikwa explained that the CBA had developed a holistic approach to reimagine and develop an economy built on landscape restoration.from housing, biopharmaceuticals, bioenergy,biiferilizers for regenerative agriculture ,aesthetic and spiritual harmony .

Also speaking at the occasion the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry.Mr Olufunso Adebiyi stressed the need for the ministry to develop competencies in climate adaptation economic models with a view to meeting the SDGs target as a core function of the ministry.

It provides an alternative source of financing sustainable development in the Niger Delta and opens a more sustainable approach to climate action in the Niger Delta.

The Director of Economic Development in the Ministry Mr Patrick Nyamo’ stated that the ministry has various social programs that they could not execute due to lack of funds and finding a synergy between social, economic and environmental objectives will enable an alternative source of financing social and environmental challenges sustainably and prepare the Niger Delta for life after oil.

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FG to Harness the Digital Economy to Empower Youth

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande has disclosed that the Federal Government is making efforts to harness the potentials of the digital economy in empowering the youth and creating sustainable jobs.

He made this disclosure in Abuja when he received the participants of the Senior Executive Course 46, 2024 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State who were on study tour to the Ministry.

Mr Olawande said over 50% of the population below the age of 30 have a significant demographic advantage in the digital age.

“Our youths are tech-savvy, innovative and eager to contribute to the country’s economic growth. However, they face numerous challenges including limited access to quality education, skills training and job opportunities.

The digital economy offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog traditional development challenges. With the rise of e-commerce, digital payments and remote work”. “Our youths can assess global markets, skills training and job opportunities like never before,” he added.

According to the Minister, challenges hindering the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria must be addressed.
He explained that to overcome the challenges, the Ministry has implemented initiatives such as digital skills training programs for youths, focusing on areas like software development, data analytics and digital marketing especially in the NYSC.

This, he disclosed is alongside partnering with Galaxy Back Bone to improve infrastructure, Internet connectivity and alternative electricity supply as well as funding opportunities such as grants, loans and venture capital for startups of small businesses with launching of the National Youth Investment Fund.

The Honourable Minister who hinted that the Ministry’ s goal is to create an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for youth stated: ” We recognise that sustainable job creation is critical to Nigeria ‘s economic growth and stability”

”I urge you all to join us in this journey to harness the potential of the digital economy for youth empowerment and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.”, he added.

Mr Olawande further said that the opportunities and challenges underscore the need for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to harness the potential of the digital economy for sustainable development.

The Minister who observed that there is a gap between the Government and the young people expressed his heartfelt desire for the Youths of the nation to feel the Government. He opined that the country has the most intelligent youths in the world.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation from NIPSS, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, mni said they are in the Ministry to research, proffer solutions, recommendations and strategies to help Government chart its course for the the year, with the theme : ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’.

.She also added that Ministry of Youth Development is very germane to this year’s theme .” We are with the Ministry of Youth to listen to what you are doing to help the youth, how you are doing it, strategic plans and way forward as well as how we can use the digital economy to chart the goal for sustainable job creation,” she concluded.

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