Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has urged youth in technology and innovation to persevere and belief in themselves as better days lies ahead.
Dr. Tijani gave the advice on Thursday evening during a visit to a Tech facility (Café One) Enugu while addressing youths undergoing tech-innovation programme under the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) of the National Information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA) Digital LiH
He addressed the youth after visiting some Enugu State Government executed tech-innovative projects, which included: the Green Smart Schools; the Command and Control Centre; International Conference Centre and Café One (Digital Café) among others.
The Minister who was impressed with the testimonies of the students, applauded their hard work and commitment to the 3MTT programme in the state. He encouraged them to continue working hard to break-even in their personal and team projec
Speaking after he had listened to various speeches and achievements from the students, the minister said, “for this period we listened to you all, we are impressed with you brilliant presentations as well as your personal and team tech-innovation growth so far.
“One thing is certain, I want you to continue, persevere and belief in yourself and in a short while; the sky will be your limit as you will get all necessary support,” he said.
The minister also advised that they should look up to global renowned tech-innovative Nigerians, who are big players and currently working in tech or innovative companies and some that own their tech striving businesses.
“There is a lot been done to reposition Nigerian youths in tech-innovation in the Renewed Hope Agenda of our President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our ministry is pushing this agenda with zeal and energy it totally requires.
“Using you people here today, we believe that thousand and millions of Nigerians especially young people within the South-East and Enugu State will be skilled on using digital platforms and become digital literacy compliant.
“So, I encourage you to keep up the good work, be focused and know that the Federal Government and your tech-innovative loving governor is interested to see you lead the 21 century digital economy,” he said.
The minister made some cash and laptops donation to some of the teams working in some tech-innovative projects, adding: “This is to encourage and keep your desires burning.”
Speaking, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Eze lauded the Federal Government and the minister on the ongoing programme that would make impact in the lives of youths within the state.
Ezeh, who donated a laptop to one of the students with laptop challenge, said the Federal Government’s plans to train over one million Enugu State residents on digital skills in three years would be “a game-changer.”
Earlier, one of the students under 3MTT, Ms Ozioma Michael, said keyed into the programme and and got upscaled. She acquired the knowledge to develop a digital enterprise mind-set.
“Since I started the programme and up-scaled my skill in digital literacy; I now see reasons why I should be a tech-preneur in order to grow my own innovative tech brand,” Michael said.
Another student, Chukwunonso Gabriel, appreciated the ministry through NITDA for giving his life a new focus and connecting him to friends that share common digital experience and goal in life.
“Within the short time I sent in the ongoing programme; I have learnt a lot and discovered that there are great opportunities in digital enterprise and engaging..
Author: Maureen Ikpeama