President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said Nigerian youths are vibrant, talented, eager to learn and ready to compete globally.
Therefore, his administration will strongly support public-private partnerships aimed at creating dignified work and employment opportunities for them.
“God has blessed Nigeria with a vibrant youth population, ready to learn, and capable of competing in the global economy of the 21st century. Leadership is what is necessary,” Tinubu told the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard Foundation, Ms. Reeta Roy, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed this in a statement he signed on Wednesday titled ‘President Tinubu to Mastercard Foundation: Nigerian youths are talented, ready to learn and can compete globally.’
Tinubu commended Mastercard Foundation’s initiative which plans to create 10 million jobs for young people in Nigeria, noting that the programme aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda for economic development and job creation.
”We believe in what you are doing. We are determined to run an inclusive government and change the dynamics and perception of this country.
“Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and, as such, must take its leadership of this continent very seriously. We must give hope and assurance to our teeming youth population.
”The incubation is growing, and we are earning a good reputation, and we will continue to do that across sectors of the economy in order to achieve sustainable growth,” the President said.
He also welcomed Mastercard Foundation’s emphasis on digitisation, recognising the role of technology as a potent and indispensable tool against corruption.
Tinubu declared, “We are ready to work with you and remove all impediments, and we have assembled a great team to work with you.
“The hope of the youth must be built on a solid foundation of sustainable growth and prosperity. We are working with other partners, and we assure you of our robust and focused collaboration.”
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Pate noted the wide-reaching impact of the Mastercard Foundation across Africa and its proven capacity to change the fortunes of human capital development in Nigeria.
“This is an institution that holds assets worth more than $40bn and they are prudent in ensuring that their resources are applied digitally and in a way that reaches their target beneficiaries directly.
“Mr. President’s strong commitment to reforming social intervention and health service delivery in Nigeria will be greatly boosted through this partnership,” the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare stated.
Mastercard Foundation CEO, Roy informed the President that the Foundation’s focus on education and financial inclusion in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, will impact 30 million young Africans by 2030.
She reported progress on the Foundation’s 10 million target for Nigeria, stating that 2.1 million young people trained under the ‘Young Africa Work Strategy’ are already engaged in dignified work.
More so, Roy said no fewer than seven million people have undergone programmes classified as work enablers, including skill acquisition, education, access to financial tools, networks, or linkages into opportunities.
“We are still on a journey and have more work to do. We are excited about looking at a whole new frontier, and that is in the healthcare sector.
“While we may not historically be a health organisation or health foundation, we are looking at that sector as part of a vibrant economic landscape ripe with opportunities for young people and our focus will be on workforce development,” she said.
She thanked the President for placing young people and healthcare at the heart of his economic growth agenda across multiple sectors.
“appreciate your contributions to the health sector.
“I know there are many things that require your time, but I am really grateful and very much encouraged to see that healthcare and education are also critical parts of the way forward.
“We hope that you find in us a partner that is steadfast, open, and ready to learn,” she said.
Established in 2006, Mastercard Foundation is an international non-governmental organisation established by the payment-technology giant, Mastercard.
The Toronto-based organisation, which has supported work in 49 countries, shifted its focus to Africa, through its Young Africa Works strategy in 2018.
Ms Roy has served as its CEO since 2008.
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