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FG Re-Launches NYSP to Create Over 5 Million Job
Joel Ajayi
In a continuous effort to tackle unemployment affecting the fabric of Nigeria’s existence, the Federal government on Thursday re-launched the National Youth Skills Programme NYSP for sustainable growth innovations that will help build Nigeria’s future that will impact future generations.
NYSP is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development that addresses the critical skills gap among Nigerian Youth.
Speaking at the launching of NYSP in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim will launch the National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP) and stated that relaunching the initiative will turn things around for Nigerian Youth.
According to her, our nation is at a pivotal moment. The future of our youth, the heart of our progress, hangs in the balance.
“Let us imagine a Nigeria where every young person has the skills to pursue their dreams.
“This vision fuels the (NYSP). Today, we are taking a significant step towards turning this vision into reality. I am thrilled to introduce the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP), a daring initiative crafted to ignite the flame of potential in our youth and pave the way for a brighter future.
“This program is not just a new initiative but a bold and transformative strategy to tackle one of our nation’s most pressing issues—youth unemployment.
“Right now, over 42.5% of our young people, the lifeblood of our nation, remain unemployed. About 33 million young Nigerians wake up daily without a clear path. This is not just a statistic—it’s the story of potential untapped, dreams deferred, and futures put on hold. We cannot afford to let this continue, and that’s why the National Youth Skills Program is so crucial.
“The NYSP is designed to turn this around. We are targeting 11 key sectors that are vital to Nigeria’s development and can create millions of jobs. Sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and the digital economy can potentially drive Nigeria’s future, and the NYSP is the key to unlocking this potential. With the right skills and training, our youth cannot only find employment but also become the driving force behind these sectors, creating a ripple effect of job opportunities.
“Through the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), we have already allocated ₦110 billion for the 2024 fiscal year to support youth-led businesses. With the upcoming National Youth Development Bank, we will expand this, providing more youth with the grants, loans, and mentorship they need to turn their ideas into thriving enterprises.
“What makes the NYSP truly special is our commitment to inclusivity. We ensure that this program reaches every corner of Nigeria—from the bustling cities of Lagos and Abuja to the most remote villages in Borno, Benue, and Bayelsa. No young person should feel that opportunity is beyond their reach.
We know that women and persons with disabilities are often left out of the economic conversation.
“That’s why we’ve committed to ensuring that 50% of program participants will be female, and we have designed specific pathways for young women to thrive in sectors like technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. We’ve also partnered with local and international organizations to ensure that persons with disabilities have full access to all training programs, with necessary accommodations provided. This isn’t just a program for a select few—this is a program for all young Nigerians, regardless of their gender, background, or abilities.
“We have learned valuable lessons from previous skills programs. For instance, past initiatives often focused solely on training without providing the necessary financial support, which meant many young people had the skills but lacked the capital to start their businesses. With the NYSP, we are bridging that gap. We’re not just offering skills training; we’re providing a holistic solution one that includes mentorship, financial backing, and industry partnerships.
“As we launch this initiative today, we are doing more than just kicking off another government program. We are laying the foundation for a future where every young Nigerian has the skills, opportunities, and support to achieve their dreams. This is about renewed hope. It’s about allowing our youth to build the life they want here in Nigeria without looking elsewhere.”
She sought the support of all the stakeholders to join hands with the ministry to help build Nigeria’s future and impact generations to come.
News
NICRAT, Roche, Oncopadi launch BRANT app for breast cancer care
NICRAT, Roche, and Oncopadi unveiled the Breast Cancer Access Navigation and Testing (BRANT) application on Thursday in Abuja, aimed at reshaping breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria.
At the launch, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), described BRANT as a significant step in the country’s efforts to enhance patient care and streamline support systems.
He emphasised that the app would also empower individuals battling breast cancer, offering them better access to resources and guidance throughout their journey.
Represented by Dr Waziri Usman, the Director of Cancer Prevention and Control, Aliyu emphasised that breast cancer remained one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of cancer among Nigerian women.
He noted that early detection, timely intervention, and leveraging technology could greatly improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
BRANT, he explained, was designed to make navigating the complex landscape of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment easier, by connecting patients, healthcare providers, support groups, NGOs, and civil society organisations into one unified system.
Dr Omolola Salako, CEO of Oncopadi, highlighted the shortage of oncologists in Nigeria, with fewer than 95 oncologists nationwide, particularly in rural areas.
She stressed the need for technology to bridge the gap, allowing oncologists to reach patients across the country.
“Oncopadi has already been mobilising cancer patients for online care and educational resources over the past seven years.
“In partnership with Roche, Oncopadi is supporting 5,000 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
“The collaboration leverages Roche’s expertise in oncology diagnostics and Oncopadi’s digital oncology capabilities to launch BRANT.”
Dr Ladi Hameed, General Manager of Roche Products Limited, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to address the growing burden of breast cancer through awareness, early detection, and access to treatment.
“The BRANT programme, which includes free immunohistochemistry testing and multidisciplinary teams, aims to remove financial barriers that delay diagnoses and treatment,”he said.
While the programme would run for the next 18 months, Hameed called for collective efforts to ensure its sustainability.
Mr Alexander Chimbaru, Deputy Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to Nigeria, lauded the initiative, calling it a valuable solution to reduce the burden of breast cancer.
He stressed the importance of taking action to ensure the programme’s success.
Dr Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), supported the initiative, urging the organisations to adhere to regulatory guidelines regarding specialist support, digital health tools, and patient information.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports BRANT is a user-friendly platform offering personalised care, expert consultations, diagnostic tests, treatment facilities, and support for patients throughout their breast cancer journey.
NAN
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