MULTINATIONAL technology company, Google, has given Nigeria a grant of N1.2billion to aid its government’s 1million digital jobs’ scheme.
The Vice President (VP), Kashim Shettima, confirmed the grant on Tuesday.
The scheme is an initiative of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information Office of the Vice President, Olusola Abiola, the VP hailed Google for its support.
While welcoming Executives of Google at the Aso Rock villa in Abuja, Shettima added that the company’s supper of Mr. President’s initiative was worth emulating.
The Google delegation to Aso Rock comprised of: Programme Manager, Google Africa, Ms Oluwatamilore Oni; the Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager, Mr Adewolu Adene and Communications and the Public Affairs Manager for Google West Africa, Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade.
“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,” Shettima stated.
Shettima explained that the Jobs’ Scheme will tap into the limitless potential of the country’s teeming youth population.
“We have 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,” the Vice President stressed.
Google Africa’s Director of Government Relations and Public Policy, Mr Charles Murito, in addition to what the Vice President said, stated that the grant is borne of the company’s desire to digital infrastructure in the continent.
Murito noted that the move will boost job opportunities in the technological sector in Nigeria and Africa.
