NIGERIA’S INNOVATION FUTURE RESTS ON SKILLED YOUTHS—OLAWANDE
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has emphasised the need to invest in youth skill upscaling as a pathway to positioning Nigeria as a leading force in the global innovation economy.
The Minister made the remarks during a visit to the Headquarters of National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja.
In a Statement by the Director, Media and Corporate Communications of NASRDA, Dr Felix Ale, the Honourable Minister explained that Nigeria is blessed with a generation of fast thinking and hardworking youths whose potential cannot be overlooked, stressing the need to bridge existing skill gaps and equip young Nigerians with the competencies required to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He said while the government is creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive, they must equally possess the requisite skills to take advantage of the opportunities available within that environment.
Comrade Olawande further highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Development and Agencies with complementary mandates, saying partnerships with organisations such as the National Space Research and Development Agency could strengthen capacity building and create more job opportunities for young Nigerians.
During a tour of NASRDA’s facilities, the Minister expressed admiration on works, activities and achievements of the Space Agency, pointing out that the innovations and capabilities on ground presents numerous opportunities of implementation for national growth.
He also commended the Director General of the Agency for his good leadership, particularly on the progress recorded thus far since his assumption of office, describing the work being carried out at NASRDA as a reflection of purposeful leadership and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s capabilities in the space sector.
Assuring the Agency of his commitment to advocating increased funding for the Nigerian space programme, Comrade Olawande said the time has come for Nigeria to develop its own space story and take its rightful place in the global space community.
The Minister assured NASRDA management of his determination to explore areas of collaboration, particularly in capacity building and indigenous hardware and software development in line with the Ministry’s goal in training young Nigerians as well as to equip them with requisite skills needed to drive national development.
Speaking earlier, the Director General and Chief Executive of the National Space Research and Development Agency(NASRDA), Professor Matthew Adepoju highlighted the achievements and contributions of the Space Programme to Nigeria’s development since its inception.
He outlined the Agency’s ongoing programmes and initiatives aimed at advancing space science and technology, strengthening indigenous capacity and leveraging space based technologies to support national development.
Professor Adepoju who expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister for the visit also conferred on him the prestigious status of NASRDA Space Ambassador in recognition of his passion, support and commitment to the Space Programme.
The Honourable Minister was later taken on facilities tour of the Space Agency by the Director General.
