The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, has praised Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for his steadfast commitment to fostering peace and unity in the state.
Sen. Shettima made the commendation on Friday during the graduation ceremony of the Senior Executive Course 46 at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.The graduation ceremony at NIPSS witnessed the successful completion of training for 96 distinguished Nigerians.
Addressing the gathering, Vice President Shettima underscored Plateau State’s critical role in promoting peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. He urged citizens to embrace harmony, tolerance, and compassion to consolidate peace and development.
In his address to the Senior Executive Course 46 participants, President Tinubu emphasized the urgent need for a nationwide initiative to empower Nigerian youths through digital economy training. He stated that bridging the country’s digital skills gap is crucial for sustainable job creation and economic growth.
President Tinubu stressed that youth investment is critical to Nigeria’s economic and technological advancement.Speaking on the theme, “Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities,” the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.“
With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 35, we must harness the energy, creativity, and technological potential of our youth to drive economic innovation,” Tinubu stated.
“Our greatest asset as a nation is not just our demographic dividends but the youthfulness of our population. Our young people are not just the future, they are the present. Their potential must be fully unlocked to propel Nigeria into a new era of innovation and economic prosperity,” he added.
President Tinubu outlined several reforms under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy and the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Policy, designed to enhance digital literacy and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth.
“As we expand broadband access and develop world-class digital infrastructure, we are also fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and technological excellence among our youth,” he said.
The President highlighted initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Skills Acquisition Programme, which provides young Nigerians with essential skills in technology, construction, and the creative industries.
“We are committed to ensuring that every young Nigerian has access to the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market. By supporting agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), we are building a diversified, sustainable economy that benefits all citizens,” he explained.
Commending NIPSS for its role in shaping Nigeria’s future leaders, President Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the institute’s capacity. He announced plans to invest in advanced digital infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art e-library and virtual learning platforms, to ensure that NIPSS remains a premier institution for policy and strategic studies.
In his remarks as Chief Host of the event, Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed appreciation for the federal government’s support for Plateau State. He emphasized the need for increased training slots in the Senior Executive Course to promote greater gender inclusion in leadership and policy-making.
Earlier in his address, the Director General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, urged the graduates of Course 46 to apply their newly acquired knowledge in their respective fields to drive meaningful change in the country.
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