The Federal Government has said that it is working in synergy with key stakeholders towards addressing the challenge of unemployment by creating create job opportunities for youths across the country.
Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande stated in Abuja during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commissioner and Chief Executive, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Olusegun Ayo Omosehin at the Ministry.
The Minister said the Memorandum of Understanding is to implement a comprehensive training programme aimed at equipping one million young individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the Insurance sub-sector.
Olawande informed that the main issue affecting the youth is unemployment and that the Ministry is committed to working with all stakeholders to create opportunities for youth in areas such as data management, digital literacy, creative and entertainment sector, adding that the current administration will strive to identify opportunities in all sectors to effectively engage the country’s youth.
The Minister in a statement issued in Abuja by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, said: “This partnership will guide our efforts within the next year to bring one million young Nigerians into the insurance sector.
“The Future of Nigeria rests on the shoulders of youth who make up over 60% of our population. However, insurance, which is critical to the economy of a growing nation like Nigeria, has been under-utilized among this critical demography,” he said.
Olawande emphasised that the partnership with NAICOM aims to raise awareness among the youth about the importance of insurance, promote entrepreneurship, and create job opportunities across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
“We will use digital technology to educate, inspire, and connect Nigerian youth to careers and opportunities in Insurance. This program will be hosted through our digital platform, the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), which has already been announced by President Bola Tinubu. Through NiYA, we will offer numerous insurance courses, allowing our youth to not only gain knowledge but also establish connections with Insurance companies, brokers, and other stakeholders,” he stated.
He expressed appreciation to the President for continuously supporting youth initiatives and for providing the Ministry with the NiYA platform. He also thanked the executives of NAICOM for making the programme a reality.
Earlier, the Chief Executive of NAICOM, Omosehin emphasized that the partnership with the Ministry aims to provide opportunities for youth to grow, develop, engage collaboratively, and ultimately find employment.
He stated that the MoU is anticipated to open doors for over one million suitably trained and employed Nigerians in the insurance sector, adding that the insurance industry offers a significant opportunity for employment for the youth.
He further said: “We have a sector that is prepared for business and expansion, and one that needs the dynamism and energy that the youth can offer. This is why NAICOM is collaborating with the Chartered Institute of Nigeria to provide the necessary training.
“This training will help re-orient these youths and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the insurance sector and become productive members of society. This will be a significant win for our nation as these young people will not only provide for themselves but also for their families, contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria.”
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