A bold move to advance the Federal Government’s digital and innovation agenda for young Nigerians, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has undertaken a strategic mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), forging international collaborations aimed at strengthening youth innovation, enterprise, and digital skills development.
During a high-level engagement with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship.
Center (Sheraa), a premier institution in youth enterprise and innovation, the Minister explored areas of collaboration in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) initiative.
The programme aims to empower over 7 million Nigerian youth through digital skills training, entrepreneurship development, civic leadership, and global exposure.
“We are building bridges between Nigerian youth and global innovation ecosystems. Sheraa’s mission to nurture talent aligns perfectly with our goal of unlocking the creative and entrepreneurial potential of our young people,” the Minister stated.
In a significant development, the Minister announced a strategic partnership with GITEX Global, one of the world’s foremost technology and innovation events. From September 1st to 4th, 2025, Nigeria will host a GITEX-powered National Digital Innovation Showcase, a landmark event designed to elevate the talent and innovation of Nigerian youth to the global stage.
Through this initiative, 300 high-potential Nigerian startups will gain access to global visibility, international markets, and targeted support to scale their ventures.
The effort is being coordinated in close collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), led by Director-General Dr. Inuwa Abdullahi, who accompanied the Minister during the visit.
The Minister also revealed that over 210,000 young Nigerians have already been onboarded onto the NiYA platform, with Green House Centres being established in all 774 Local Government Areas across the country. These centres will provide structured training, enterprise support, and access to emerging technologies at the grassroots level.
In addition, the Ministry is launching a GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series Powered by NiYA to ensure a continuous talent pipeline into major global events such as GITEX Africa and GITEX Global, further integrating Nigeria’s youth into international innovation ecosystems.
The future belongs to those who innovate. Our mission is to position Nigerian youth as creators, not just consumers, in the global digital economy,” the Minister affirmed.
“We are laying the foundation for a generation of leaders who will define Africa’s tech-driven future,” he said.
These engagements reflect the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to leveraging international partnerships to equip young Nigerians with the skills, tools, and platforms needed to compete and lead on the world stage.
“To every young Nigerian innovator, tech founder, designer, and change-maker: your time is now. The world is paying attention, and Nigeria is ready,” the Minister added.
