Nigeria’s commitment to youth empowerment and innovation was showcased on an international platform during a high-level mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, led a delegation to meet with his UAE counterparts, including the Minister of Youth and the Minister of Artificial Intelligence.
The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen collaborations and partnerships for youth development. Minister Olawande proudly presented the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) as the ministry’s flagship platform. NiYA, a key initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is dedicated to equipping young Nigerians with digital skills, entrepreneurship training, and access to global opportunities.
The Nigerian delegation included key figures such as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Managing Directors of NEXIM Bank and NITDA, and the Director General of SMEDAN, demonstrating a cross-sectoral approach to youth development. The Minister was also accompanied by representatives from Sapphital, the implementing partner for NiYA.
The meeting highlighted a mutual interest in building lasting partnerships that will directly benefit Nigerian youth. The UAE team was commended for their warm reception and collaborative spirit, setting the stage for future joint initiatives to empower young innovators across both nations.
