FEDERAL MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
PRESS RELEASE
May 8, 2025
FG Partners Google on Digital Transformation for Youth Empowerment
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has announced a strategic partnership with Google to empower Nigerian youth and expand their access to both global and local opportunities through digital transformation.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, during a courtesy visit by a Google delegation led by the Head of Value Education, Ms. Tanya Singh, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to the Minister, “This partnership with Google has become necessary to create meaningful impact for our youth. Relying solely on government funding may not be sufficient, which is why we are calling on NGOs and other organizations to rise to the occasion. This collaboration is a step toward realizing the vision of One Youth, Two Skills under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.”
He also emphasized ongoing partnerships with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and other relevant agencies aimed at advancing youth development through technology.
In her remarks, Ms. Singh explained that the collaboration originated from a recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Google’s CEO in France. She outlined five key pillars of the partnership:
1. Building Digital Infrastructure
“We’re focused on creating technology infrastructure that supports the government, businesses, and individuals in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation. Foundational to this is strong AI and tech infrastructure.”
2. Human Capacity Development
“Nigeria’s youth population presents a powerful opportunity. By investing in digital skills and tools for upskilling, we are collectively enabling the country’s future growth.”
3. Economic Diversification
“Beyond oil and financial services, we see immense potential in fintech, agri-tech, and health-tech. Our goal is to create an enabling environment for these sectors to thrive both locally and globally.”
4. SME Support and Entrepreneurship
“Small and medium enterprises are at the heart of youth innovation. Many young Nigerians are building the businesses of the future. We aim to provide them with the tools and support to scale and compete globally.”
5. Positioning Nigeria as a Global Talent Hub
“Initially, we asked how Nigeria could become the AI and tech talent hub of Central Africa. But we’ve revised that goal—why not position Nigeria as a global leader? We want to showcase Nigerian talent on the world stage and ensure young people have the skills to meet global demands.”
Ms. Singh stressed the importance of sustained investment in skill-building:
“Across all five pillars, one truth stands out—we must invest in talent. Youths need not only skills but the ability to apply them in real-world contexts, whether in jobs or entrepreneurship.”
She concluded that Google will make strategic investments in establishing a Digital Youth Academy, expanding digital literacy programs, and launching key Google initiatives across Nigeria.
Signed,
Omolara Esan
Director, Information & Public Relations
Federal Ministry of Youth Development
