Stella Odueme
The Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande has disclosed that Nigeria’s active involvement in Youth Connekt Africa will not only showcase the commitment but will also formulate practical solutions that will significantly enhance youth empowerment across Africa.
The Minister made this disclosure during the Youth Connekt Africa Ministerial Policy Roundtable Discussions on Rural Youth Entrepreneurs Access to Finance, initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Rwanda.
The summit which focused on the theme, “Jobs for Youth through Innovative Skilling,” took place in Kigali, Rwanda.
Comrade Olawande revealed that the summit is aimed at equipping African youth with digital skills, fostering entrepreneurship and creating employment pathways aligned with market needs to address youth unemployment by nurturing talent, innovation and economic opportunities within the continent.
“This summit will enhance access to finance for youth-led businesses and support digital skills and technological innovation in job creation through programmes that connect them with market-relevant skills, mentorship and opportunities in emerging fields like ICT and creative industries,” he stated.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, emphasized that the event is strategically aimed at closing the education-to-employment gap, adding that it seeks to equip African youth with essential tools, resources, and strategic connections to foster long-term career growth, enabling them to excel in the global economy.
