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Stakeholders meet to dissect Nigeria’s agricultural policies

Published

4 years ago

October 23, 2019

Yusuf Idris Ilorin

Nigeria’s agricultural policies will be in focus, as stakeholders gather for the forthcoming 21st Annual Lecture of the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI).

ARMTI said in a statement that the forum, billed for Thursday in Ilorin, would see participants brainstorming on emerging challenges in the implementation of Nigeria’s agricultural policies.

According to the statement, signed by the spokesman of the institute, Mr Mayowa Gidado, issues relating to rural development would also be discussed at the event.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Charles Igwe, is expected to deliver the lecture titled, “Agricultural Policies in Nigeria: Unlocking Full Potentials, Identifying Challenges and Solutions”.

Gidado said: “The program will gather practitioners, academics, policymakers and other stakeholders in the agricultural and rural sector, to brainstorm on the identified topical issue that has been placed on the front burner.

“It serves as an avenue for ARMTI to fulfill one of its mandates, which is to contribute to policy development to enhance better management of the agricultural and rural sectors in Nigeria.”

He identified former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President of the African Development Bank, Mr Akinwumi Adesina, as some notable personalities who had featured in the forum.

Mr Musa Mohammad, National Vice President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, is one of the discussants in this year’s edition, the ARMTI spokesman said

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FG to Harness the Digital Economy to Empower Youth

Published

3 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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