A non-governmental organisation, Educraft Initiative, has announced plans to empower at least 960 youths across Nigeria by the year 2030.
The Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Queen Mojisola Ajibade, made this known during a media meeting held in Abeokuta,on Tuesday, the capital of Ogun State.
Ajibade said the organisation was created to encourage creative thinking among young people and help them turn their ideas and talents into successful careers. She added that the initiative also aims to build a strong “Do It Yourself” (DIY) culture among Nigerian youths.
According to her, the programme plans to train between 10 and 20 youths in each cycle, with a total target of 960 beneficiaries by 2030.
Ajibade also called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to expand entrepreneurship loan programmes to support creative youths who want to start sustainable businesses. She revealed that the initiative has started working with some state governments and international organisations to train young people from their teenage years and guide them towards clear career paths.
She expressed concern that many African youths are still behind in productivity and in the global creative industry. She said many locally made products are often undervalued despite their quality.
Ajibade also urged the Nigeria Education Loan Fund to extend support to people in the creative and innovation sectors, not only students in formal schools.
“Our focus is youth empowerment. Africa is behind in productivity, and we want our youths to become producers by using our raw materials and reducing the negative perception about African-made products,” she said.
In his reaction, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IBMKP Global Foundation, John Ikidi, said Nigeria’s large youth population can become a great advantage if they are given access to technology, mentorship, and opportunities.
He explained that the real problem is not talent but lack of access and proper support.
Ikidi also revealed that the foundation plans to organise a STEM and Innovation Summit in Abuja. The summit will bring together policymakers, education leaders, technology experts, investors, and young innovators to discuss practical solutions for improving Nigeria’s innovation system and addressing the digital skills gap.
