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Tag: Job Creation

  • ICT has overtaken oil, gas in job creation – Atiku

    Mr Samuel Atiku, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expert, on Thursday called on the Federal Government to adequately exploit the potential of ICT to develop the youth and create more employment.

    Atiku, Head of Research, BudgiT, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the government could include youth-driven, ICT-based programmes in its economic diversification agenda.

    BudgiT is a civic startup that liberates budgets and public data from an inactive state into a more engaging format, mostly through infographics and interactive application with the aim of improving civic discussions and institutional reform.

    Atiku said: “In Nigeria, about 75 per cent of the population is below the age of 40.

    “It is not out of place for the government to have agenda to train about 10 million youths to become software developers within two years.

    “We are yet to take full advantage of the possibilities of an ICT-driven education in Nigeria.

    “In the U.S., for instance, there is a labour plan to train about three million people to become software developers.’’

    Atiku noted that ICT sector cut into education, publishing, broadcasting, newspapering and others.

    “Information communication and technology is bigger than it looks.

    “According to research, the universality of ICT has made it an indispensable media for transacting every aspect of human and material resources in the world.

    “This trend of development has provided significant changes in the lives of thousands of youths in the developing world,’’ he told NAN.

    Atiku said that rapid development in

    ICT in Nigeria had provided enormous job opportunities and contributed meaningfully to national development.

    Atiku told NAN that the ICT industry had immensely increased Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    According to Atiku, the ICT sector in Nigeria had in recent time provided more employment opportunities than the country’s oil and gas sector.

    NAN reports that the Nigeria Communications Commission recently said that the quarterly contribution of the ICT sector to Nigeria’s GDP increased to N1.6 trillion from N1.4 trillion, making the sector to be contributing nearly 10 per cent to the GDP annually.

    He added that more infrastructure should be put in place to increase ICT’s contribution to the country’s GDP.

    According to Atiku, infrastructure in the ICT sector at the moment are fragmented.

    He added that universities were not teaching technology adequately, advising that the Federal Government’s diversification agenda should be approached from an education perspective.

    He told NAN that there were still issues surrounding the payment system in the country.

    “If somebody wants to transfer money to you from the U.S., for example, the process is still very rigorous.

    “The government needs to work closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria to adopt payment systems that would allow seamless transactions,” he said.

    He said that the country would need to run an open economy to lead in ICT in Africa.

    Mr Jide Awe, Chairman, Conferences Committee, Nigeria Computer Society, also told NAN that the ICT sector had contributed significantly to the country’s GDP.

    Awe said that much employment opportunities had been created through innovation in the ICT sector.

    He also said that a lot of transactions had been made seamless through the use of ICT.

    “In the financial sector, the systems of payments are more efficient; money transfer can be done online within the comfort of your home.

    “One cannot ignore the improvements in infrastructure because, now, we have internet access which has enabled creation of applications such as financial and tech apps.

    “The telecom sector, especially, has created tonnes of jobs for our youths,’’ he said.

    He also noted that ICT cut across governance, financial system, educational, agriculture and more.

    “ICT is becoming a norm; this is evident in countries such as Singapore, Japan, China and India, where ICT is making tremendous impacts.

    He urged a more conducive environment for local ICT production.

    “Right now, most of the ICT contributions we have are dependent on foreign ideas.

    “The government needs to create an environment for more local ICT production,” he said.

     

  • FG establishes Digital Job Centre in Akwa Ibom

    The Federal Government has concluded plans to establish a Digital Job Centre in Akwa Ibom as part of measures to create jobs opportunities for the unemployed youths in the state.

    Dr Isa Pantami the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), made the disclosure at the 9th edition of Startup event for Akwa Ibom youths in Uyo on Saturday.

    Pantami said that NITDA would transform the centre to motivate and encourage the youths to come up with ICT solutions to the national challenges.

    According to him, the agency would support youths with ideas through ICT to proffer solutions to problems confronting the nation.

    “To encourage and boost the ICT ecosystem in Akwa-Ibom, NITDA is setting up a Digital Job Centre at the Government Secondary School, Afaha Eket, Eket LGA, Akwa-Ibom State.

    “I thank Gov. Udom Emmanuel and the good people of Akwa-Ibom for their support towards the success of this event,” Pantami said.

    He said the Startup programme was created to encourage every Nigerian to look inward in tackling Nigeria’s economic problems.

    Pantami explained that the centre would focus more in building technology entrepreneurs, adding ”ICT is inevitable and our future depends on it as ICT dominates the economy after oil.

    “We are aware of the harsh conditions in securing white collar jobs in the country, so it has become apparent for the government to focus more in building technology entrepreneurs.

    “A developed indigenous ICT ecosystem would help the country to diversify its economy from oil.

    “Data is the new oil. With the two local content related Presidential Orders, we need to focus on locally produced innovations for our local market.

    “NITDA intends to encourage and support ICT entrepreneurship and promote it as an attractive career option for the youth,” he said.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prof. Nse Essien, said that the state government had embraced ICT in finding solutions to some issues facing the state.

    Essien, said Startup was a meeting place where all ICT professionals gathered to brainstorm on problems solving.

    He urged the youths to embrace the programme and take serious attention to achieve the required result.

    “We have very good talents in the state to key into the programme. As a state, we are doing everything possible to ensure that ICT is embrace in every spheres of governance,” he said.

     

  • Sports reforms to drive job creation, youth development in Edo – Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration’s vision to reform sports is aimed at creating jobs and curbing restiveness among youths.

    The governor made the submission during a dinner organised to unveil the new logo, jersey, team bus, technical team as well as manual for the rebranded Bendel Insurance Football Club (FC) in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    Obaseki said, “We have a keen interest to reform the sports sector in the state, and this is aimed at providing solutions to youth restiveness and unemployment. For us, sports have the potential to uplift the lives of our people and offer hope to youths who seek a better country.

    “Edo people are sports-loving. We will leverage this as we continue our reforms and give hope to our teeming youths. The steps made in reforming the Bendel Insurance FC will serve as reference point to drive more reforms in the sector.”

    He added the reforms will focus on grassroots sports development, noting, “Design and contracts for the construction of mini stadium in each local government area across the state have been completed. Local government chairmen will be mandated to ensure that the project is completed to encourage young men and women at the grassroots to tap into sports.”

    Obaseki called on investors in the state to support the present administration’s efforts to restore the state to its pride of place in sports in the country.

    Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, hailed “the achievements of the club, which has a reputation of producing contenders in the national team. These include, Peter Osazee Odemwingie, Austin Eguavoen, amongst others. These great players have represented the state at national and international assignments.”

    Shaibu added, “The decision to rebrand the Bendel Insurance FC’s logo with the image of Queen Idia was to project the club members as warriors, out to win battles. I am optimistic that the rebranded Bendel Insurance FC will emerge as a force to contend with.”

    On his part, President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, commended the state government for its initiatives in repositioning Bendel Insurance FC, and urged “The state government to partner corporate bodies for sponsorship to achieve self-funding and ensure the club is not dependent on government grants.”

    “It is important for football clubs to run independent of government interference to ensure consistency. The club can develop its cards; Silver and Premium cards and VIP stand to serve as means for generating funds,” he added.

     

  • NDDC steps up job creation programmes

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it has concluded plans to develop training programmes that will fast-track job creation in the region.

    The NDDC Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere, said this in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ibitoye Abosede, in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

    Ekere said that about 5,000 youths and women would benefit from the programmes slated to commence during the first quarter of 2018 in the nine states of the region.

    “We promise that the enterprise hub will be up and running in the shortest possible time. The hub will help create more jobs and fight unemployment to end militancy.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the commission to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that Niger Delta youths and women are gainfully and profitably engaged and empowered for sustainable livelihood.

    “This is precisely what we are doing and this is exactly what we will do with an increased tempo this year,’’ he said.

    According to him, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with stakeholders for the establishment of the nation’s first enterprise innovation and growth hub.

    Ekere said the commission’s home finishing skill training would cover key areas such as welding and fabrication, modern printing technology and solar power technology.

    Other areas covered by the training are maritime technology, entrepreneurship development, food processing, catering and confectioneries, creative arts and entertainment, as well as fashion design and tailoring.

    He said the commission had also rolled out another skill acquisition training that sought to boost construction industry in the Niger Delta and the country.

    “The skill gap in quality finishing of homes, offices and other building projects has remained yawning and a constant source of concern for home owners and operators in the construction industry.

    “In most cases, the standard of finishing of homes and offices is so poor that builders and home owners resort to hiring skilled tradesmen and craftsmen from neighbouring countries and even beyond.

    “This is one of the reasons why we have decided to intervene in this sector of the construction industry in furtherance of our mandate on human capital development.

    “This programme, therefore, seeks to develop and deliver training, under the supervision of world class experts from United Kingdom for 100 qualified participants in the first instance,’’ he said.

    The managing director said that beneficiaries would learn P.O.P ceiling installation; wall screening and painting; floor plumbing; electricity wiring; specialised carpentry and interior decoration.

    He gave the assurance that the training would be based on requirements taken from relevant United Kingdom occupational standards and associated organisations with focus on meeting requirements in Nigeria.

     

  • Senate to hold public hearing on job creation

    As part of its efforts to stimulate economic growth and create abundant employment opportunities in the country, the Senate will on Monday hold a Special Public Hearing on Youth Job Creation and Entrepreneurship.

    The purpose of the hearing, according to a statement, from the Media Office of the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, is to among others, provide briefings about the ongoing Federal Government’s programmes designed to address issues related to job creation and entrepreneurship.

    The statement added that the “Youth Job Creation and Entrepreneurship Public Hearing serves as a follow up to the 9th October 2017, Senate Youth Development Roundtable, where several MDAs provided valuable reports and recommendations into government youth intervention programmes.

    “The Senate has been working with a coalition of civil society advocacy (CSO) organizations dedicated to the upliftment and advancement of the nation’s youth. The overall project is designed to encourage the participation of citizens in the decision-making process of the National Assembly,” it stated.

    Besides, the statement added that provision has been made to enable members of the public and all other critical stakeholders, who may not be able to attend the session, to follow the conversation online using the hashtag #SenateOnJobs.

  • Ngige applauds Elumelu’s commitment to job creation, poverty alleviation

    The Minister of Labour and Employment has lauded the relentless efforts of the chairman, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, Tony Elumelu towards job creation as a strategy for poverty alleviation in Nigeria and Africa by extension.

    Ngige made the disclosure at the 30th Anniversary celebration of Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

    In his words: “ I am here because Tony Elumelu creates jobs. I take interest in those who create jobs and Tony is one of them,” the minister stated. The minister went on to share that the Labour statistics on Transnational Corporation of Nigeria show that 1500 to 2000 people are employed at the Transcorp Hilton alone.

    Elumelu’s commitment to poverty alleviation is perfectly expressed in a theory he continues to champion called Africapitalism. It is the belief that Africa’s private sector can, and must play a leading role in the continent’s development. The future we all want for ourselves will be the one of our own making.

    Africapitalism can be seen in action through the entities under Tony Elumelu’s Heirs Holdings Group, including the Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc. which currently has over 3,000 Nigerian’s in its employ, United Bank for Africa with over 14,000 Nigerian staff and the Tony Elumelu Foundation that has so far empowered 3000 Africans through its flagship Entrepreneurship Program.

    The Honourable Minister of Labour & Employment, Chris Ngige in his speech, also said “Social intervention is about attending to those who are vulnerable, those who can’t afford to eat three, two or even one square meal a day. Social intervention is what Tony Elumelu does.”

    The chairman Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc. also stated that improving lives and transforming Africa was the motivating factor when Heirs Holdings acquired its controlling stake in Transcorp Plc. Job creation is one of many ways Elumelu continues to push this agenda. The Conglomerate’s subsidiary, Transcorp Power Limited stands today as the country’s largest power generator in line with its commitment to power Nigeria’s industries, hospitals, schools and create a truly enabling environment for Nigeria’s entrepreneurs to thrive.

    The minister of Labour & Employment also praised Tony Elumelu’s continued investment in power generation through Transcorp Power Limited, as well as the steps he took at UBA to retain employees through the recession when other companies chose to retrench. At a time when other institutions were laying off, UBA promoted 3000 staff in one day.

    The minister closed by recognising the fact that Elumelu has done a lot to create jobs but more should be done, to which Tony Elumelu replied “Help us create the right enabling environment and we will.”

     

     

  • ‘America will be world’s great magnet for innovation, job creation’ – Trump

    ‘America will be world’s great magnet for innovation, job creation’ – Trump

     

    U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Tuesday “America would be the world’s great magnet for innovation and job creation” during his presidency.

    Trump, in a tweet, quoted reports that suggested plan by automobile giant Ford to scrap Mexico plant and invest in Michigan.

    “Ford to scrap Mexico plant, invest in Michigan due to Trump policies,” the incoming president tweeted.

    “Instead of driving jobs and wealth away, AMERICA will become the world’s great magnet for INNOVATION & JOB CREATION,” he added.

    The President-elect also quoted another report that “Trump is already delivering the jobs he promised America”.

    “Trump is already delivering the jobs he promised America,” the president-in-waiting said on his twitter handle.

    The incoming president had earlier in his tweet, also slammed General Motors, threatening a “big border tax” on the automaker’s cars made in Mexico.

    “General Motors is sending Mexican made model of Chevy Cruze to U.S. car dealers-tax free across border. Make in U.S.A. or pay big border tax!” Trump said.

    However, in a statement released after Trump’s tweet, General Motors said only a small number of its cars made in Mexico were sent to the U.S. market.

    “General Motors manufactures the Chevrolet Cruze sedan in Lordstown, Ohio. All Chevrolet Cruze sedans sold in the U.S. are built in GM’s assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio.

    “GM builds the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for global markets in Mexico, with a small number sold in the U.S.,” a statement from the company read.

    Similarly, Trump had also earlier on Tuesday said there should be no more prisoner releases from the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

    “There should be no further releases from Gitmo.

    “These are extremely dangerous people and should not be allowed back onto the battlefield,’’ Trump said.

    President Barack Obama had sought to close the prison since he entered office in 2009, but has been unable to carry out the plan in the face of opposition from Congress.

    Obama, in Nov. 2016, announced renewed plans for closing the facility in 2017, indicating he would release more prisoners in the final weeks of his term in office, which ends on Jan. 20.

     

     

    NAN