WEMA Bank and FG collaborate to establish MSME technology clusters in 7 states

One million young people around the nation will gain access to a digital hub that will be launched by the federal government through the Office of the Vice President (VP), Kashim Shettima.

In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, Mr. Olusola Abiola, Director, Information, Office of the Vice President, disclosed the information.

The action, according to Abiola, is in accordance with the President Bola Tinubu administration’s aim to giving young Nigerians more digital jobs.

He said that the FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNnovation Hub facilities would debut in Lagos and Borno first, with Katsina, Cross River, Anambra, Oyo, and Kano states following.

He claims that the hubs will be managed in collaboration with WEMA Bank, one of Nigeria’s top financial institutions.

He said that the agreement for the initiative was made following a recent meeting in Abuja between Vice President Shettima and representatives of the bank.

The program’s strategic goals, according to him, include empowering young entrepreneurs by offering them specialised financial products, training, and support so they may establish long-lasting enterprises that will contribute to the expansion of Nigeria’s economy.

“Other objectives include: supporting young people who are tech-savvy and have a keen interest in digital innovations and who aspire to advance technology by giving them access to financial solutions, training, and strategic partnerships; and empowering young workers to become an essential component of Nigeria’s workforce, especially those who are sent abroad for the NYSC.

“FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNnovation Hub is positioned to act as a centralised platform to deliver cutting-edge digital skills, mentorship, and networking opportunities, with a focus on young entrepreneurs and tech-savvy youths in Nigeria.

The emphasis is on encouraging entrepreneurship, skill development, and the integration of young people into the workforce, with a specific focus on placing one million youngsters to work in the digital economy and upskilling SMEs that may directly boost the economy of the nation.

Abiola said that utilising a specialised curriculum created for the FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNnovation Hub, one million young individuals would receive training in software engineering, product management, business analysis, cloud computing, and product design.

“On mentoring, 500,000 SMEs in Nigeria will receive professional mentoring, while coaches will train and upskill them for rapid company growth.

According to the plan, grants will be made available through a partnership between the federal government and WEMA Bank, with N500 million put aside for SMEs and IT entrepreneurs.