The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa has reiterated the commitment of the Agency to empowering youths with the essential skills to drive positive change and a sustainable future.
Inuwa stated this in his goodwill message at the 2023 International Youth Day Celebration organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development with the theme: “Green Skills for Youths: Towards a Sustainable World’’, in Abuja.
Represented by Yakubu Musa, the acting National Coordinator of the Office for Nigeria Digital Innovation (ONDI), Inuwa noted that the youths are the key to building a more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable society for all.
“As we mark this special day, I am proud to celebrate the boundless energy, ideas, and leadership of young people around the world. With their boundless enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and unyielding determination, our youths hold the keys to shaping a world that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
“You are already leading the way in the fight against climate change calling for broad action on inequality and working to create a more inclusive and peaceful society,” he said.
Inuwa added: “At NITDA, we have been working very closely with various stakeholders on different digital skills programmes and initiatives to empower the youth, create jobs and ensure that we build a sustainable future for Nigeria.
He said the theme for this year’s celebration was a call for action for young people to develop the skills required to build a cleaner and greener future by taking advantage of the various opportunities provided by the government and other stakeholders.
“From renewable energy to sustainable agriculture, there are countless opportunities for young people to make a difference in the fight against climate change.
“As Nigeria’s most priceless asset, it is our collective responsibility to empower our youth with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities that will empower them to drive positive change,’’ Inuwa added.
The NITDA DG, therefore called for more synergy among stakeholders in order to collaborate and learn from one another by collectively building a Nigeria that is safe, prosperous, and sustainable for all.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Ismaila Abubakar, explained that the day is aimed at mobilising the youth to play a noteworthy role in the growth and development of their immediate environment and the country at large.
Abubakar thanked the Ministry’s major partners including SDGs, UNFPA, NYSC, FCTA, NYCN, NANS, and many others for their consistent support towards equipping the youths with the knowledge, skills, and resources to drive economic growth and prosperity for all.
