Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice President, commended Google for its generous N1.2 billion grant towards the Tinubu administration’s ambitious initiative to create one million jobs. The Vice President made these remarks during a meeting with Google executives at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.
Expressing his appreciation, the Vice President stated that Google’s grant to support the digital jobs initiative was praiseworthy and should serve as a model for other companies. He emphasized the importance of innovative thinking in generating job opportunities and assured Google of the administration’s willingness to collaborate.
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The Vice President highlighted Nigeria’s readiness for business and the President’s commitment to leaving a lasting legacy. He stressed the potential of Nigeria’s youth population to drive digital job creation, citing the nation’s proficiency in English and its unique position in the post-industrial age.
Sen. Shettima mentioned ongoing efforts by institutions like Access Bank, Wema Bank, and the Bank of Industry to enhance digital skills and create employment opportunities. He expressed the administration’s readiness to partner with Google for the betterment of the nation.
Olumide Balogun, Google West Africa’s Director, expressed the company’s excitement about the Tinubu administration’s vision and announced a grant of over N1.2 billion to support the initiative. Google’s program aims to provide digital skills to 20,000 youths and women, fostering startup growth and creating thousands of jobs in the digital sector.
Charles Murito, Google Africa’s Director of Government Relations and Public Policy, reiterated Google’s commitment to investing in digital infrastructure across Africa. He emphasized the significance of covering Nigeria effectively to achieve Google’s vision and objectives.
The Google initiative focuses on training 20,000 Nigerian women and youth in digital skills through a partnership with “Mind the Gap,” Data Science Nigeria, and the Creative Industry Initiative for Africa. This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s goal of increasing young Nigerians’ participation in the digital economy by generating one million digital jobs.
The Google delegation also included Ms. Oluwatamilore Oni, Programme Manager for Google Africa; Mr. Adewolu Adene, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager; and Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Google West Africa, among others.
