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Okonjo-Iweala: Congrats to Global candidate of Nigerian descent- Akobundu 

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Joel Ajayi 

The emergence of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General, World Trade Organisation (WTO) is a global turnaround, indicating universal acceptance of her emergence, says Princess Gloria Akobundu,  National Coordinator/Chief  Executive Officer,  African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development/African Peer Review Mechanism ( AUDA-NEPAD/APRM),Nigeria.

Akobundu made this known in reaction to the confirmation of Okonjo-Iweala as the D-G of WTO on Monday, 15th February. 

In a statement signed  by the  Media Assistant to NC/CEO, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria Abolade Ogundimu on Wednesday in Abuja. 

According to AUDA-NEPAD Boss, it is the dawn of a new era in global Trade amid COVID-19 pandemic as WTO just proved its passion to transcend the basics by electing a woman and an African for the first time.

“Since the establishment of WTO in 1995, the Organisation has never had a female boss, neither an African but it has further shown the world that it wasn’t deliberate because it just considered our own Dr.Ngozi  Okonjo-Iweala for the D-G post.

“Posterity will be grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari(GCFR) for promoting global development by identifying and supporting competent Nigerians for Continental and global bodies’ topmost jobs.

“Her emergence and eventual confirmation further re-affirms President Buhari’s conviction that Nigeria has a lot to offer in continental and global development. 

“Okonjo-Iweala’s competence for such global responsibility is  never in doubt,  having proven her mettle as Managing Director in World Bank while she also served two times as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance with impeccable achievements. 

“Through dilligence and providence, she chattered the perceived double coated glass-ceillings in WTO by becoming the first female and first African to assume its topmost position.

“Nigeria is proud of you, Africa is proud of you and the global women fold is so much proud of you as the latest D-G of WTO,” she said.

AUDA-NEPAD Boss then called on young Nigerians especially, the females, to always be diligent and extraordinary in their chosen vocation and dream of getting to the top.

“Impossibility and possibility live in human mind, the one  you nurture most come to fruition except God has a better plan, I enjoin Nigerian younger ones to be hardworking and keep hope alive for success.

“Our future leaders should be diligent and disciplined in whatever they do and be hopeful that someday leadership become their lot, irrespective of their gender, tribe or religion. Competence and capacity are major keys to success,” she counseled. 

Akobundu therefore wished the new Boss of WTO a meritorious tenure in office while urging global cooperation with the new Management.

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FG to Harness the Digital Economy to Empower Youth

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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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