Google’s N1.2bn Grant Initiative to Nigeria Lauded by Vice President Shettima

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has commended Google’s N1.2 billion grant initiative, which supports President Bola Tinubu’s administration in its endeavor to create one million jobs.

The Vice President expressed his appreciation on Tuesday during a meeting with executives from Google, a prominent global technology company, at the Presidential Villa. A statement released by Olusola Abiola, Director of Information at the Vice President’s Office, said.

According to the Vice President, the decision to provide a grant of N1.2 billion to bolster the Tinubu administration’s digital jobs project is praiseworthy and sets a valuable example for other companies to follow.

“Let’s think outside the box and create more job opportunities. We need to walk the talk. It is easy to pontificate but very difficult to bring all of the ideas to fruition. I want to assure you, this administration is ready to partner with you.

“Nigeria is ready for business. The President that we have now wants to leave a legacy that Nigerians will be proud of many years after,” the VP said.

Google’s grant came at a time when the youth unemployment rate in Nigeria has risen to 53 percent, underlining the need for the government to create youth empowerment programmes, especially in the area of digital skills.

Nigeria has a teeming population with a vibrant median age of 17.2, one of the youngest in the world. Shettima said there is a unique opportunity to harness the potential of our huge youth population to create millions of jobs in the digital sector.

“We have more English-speaking people than many countries in Africa and beyond. We missed the agricultural age, we missed the industrial age and we are now in the knowledge-driven post-industrial age. We have the potential and a unique opportunity to fill the anticipated global talent deficit.

“Access Bank is doing a lot in terms of digital skills, training 1000 youths in digital skills to create employment opportunities. We are working with Wema Bank, the Bank of Industry and other partners on this project. We are willing to partner with Google, we will work closely with you for the good of our nation,” he said.

The Google delegation comprises Ms. Oluwatamilore Oni, Programme Manager for Google Africa; Mr. Adewolu Adene, Manager of Government Affairs and Public Policy; and Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Manager of Communications and Public Affairs for Google West Africa.

Mr. Olumide Balogun, Director of Google West Africa, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the Tinubu administration’s ambitious goal of generating one million digital jobs. Google is dedicating more than N1.2 billion in grants to back this initiative.

Balogun elaborated that the company’s program will furnish digital skills to over 20,000 young individuals and women, thereby enhancing their lives and livelihoods. Additionally, the program will facilitate the growth of numerous startups, ultimately leading to the creation of thousands of jobs within the sector.

The Google initiative is made possible by a grant from Google’s philanthropic division, in collaboration with “Mind the Gap,” alongside partnerships with Data Science Nigeria and the Creative Industry Initiative for Africa. This endeavor is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to bolstering the involvement of young Nigerians in the digital economy, with a goal of establishing one million digital jobs.

Google Africa’s Director of Government Relations and Public Policy, Mr. Charles Murito, said the company remains committed to investing in digital infrastructure across Africa, noting that digital transformation in the continent can be the driver of the targeted technology jobs.

“Google cannot achieve its vision and objectives if it doesn’t cover Nigeria effectively,” he said, acknowledging the potential in Africa.