Economy
Nigeria Sets To Harness Youth’s Potential To Thrive In Digital Economy: Ministry
Nigeria Sets To Harness Youth’s Potential To Thrive In Digital Economy: Ministry
Nigeria Sets to harness youth’s potential to thrive in digital economy: Ministry. Technical Adviser to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Francis Sani, has said Nigeria is ready to thrive in the digital economy.
This he said was possible by leveraging its youth and global demand for digital skills.
Mr Sani, also Programme Director of 3MTT Nigeria, spoke at the launch of Darey.io and Xterns.ai, their new tech hub. The event, held Saturday in Lagos, had the theme: “Tech and Tea: Brewing Nigeria’s Technology Innovation Future.’’
Highlighting the role of digital skills, Mr Sani said they were crucial for economic growth, enabling Nigeria to tap into the global outsourcing market.
He stressed the ministry’s aim was to ensure every Nigerian could access technical training, regardless of financial or geographical barriers.
According to him, the partnership with Darey.io would provide practical, AI-driven, project-based learning to enhance training quality and effectiveness.
He explained that the ministry’s approach centres on five pillars: knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship, and trade, to spur national development.
Mr Sani also highlighted Nigeria’s large youth population as a major advantage in the global digital economy.
He said the ministry was creating an environment to attract tech companies to Nigeria, generating jobs for young people.
Discussing AI’s economic impact, he said it would transform work and value creation, urging Nigeria to position itself for the changes.
Founder and CEO of Darey.io, Dare Oluwafunmilayo, outlined plans to bridge gaps in Nigeria’s digital economy through partnerships and infrastructure development.
Mr Olufunmilayo said their tech hub aimed to create a collaborative space where young people could learn and develop essential digital skills.
He said, “Our aim is to offer young people a platform to gain skills, network with professionals, and build a pipeline of talent for the digital economy.’’
Speaking on their 3MTT partnership, he said the goal was to train three million technical talents using digital tools to track progress and provide career metrics.
Mr Olufunmilayo noted that over 5,000 people had been trained in four and a half years, with 100,000 more currently enrolled through the 3MTT programme.
He noted the education offered was free due to 3MTT support, underlining the importance of public-private collaboration for economic advancement.
He also emphasised soft skills, stating technical expertise alone does not ensure employment; communication and teamwork are equally vital.
Mr Olufunmilayo said the hub fosters collaboration and innovation, with professionals delivering training to enhance learning experiences.
Digital Economy, Ministry of communication
To further empower youth, he announced the launch of the Dare Olufunmilayo Human Capital Foundation.
“The foundation aims to partner with organisations to provide laptops and stipends, supporting talented individuals and encouraging economic growth,” he said.
Regarding certification, he said training would be recognised by platforms such as Microsoft, AWS, and Google.
He added that Darey.io would also issue its own in-house certifications for trainees.
EFCC Arraigned Woman In Borno Over Alleged N6.8m Romance Scam
EFCC arraigned woman in Borno over alleged N6.8m romance scam. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, over allegations of a N6.8 million fraud.
Ugwu was charged on Monday, March 17, 2025, in connection with a romance scam in which she allegedly deceived a victim, Emmanuel Ani, by posing as his fiancée, “Miss Chinansa.”
The EFCC filed a four-count charge against her, including obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, and impersonation.
According to the anti-graft agency, between June 2023 and August 2024, Ugwu fraudulently obtained N6,710,300 from Ani under the guise of supporting his supposed fiancée.
Upon hearing the charges, Ugwu pleaded not guilty.
Court Remands Ugwu, Trial Set for April 8
EFCC Arraigned Woman
Following her plea, prosecution counsel S.O. Saka and Faruku Muhammad urged the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility. Justice Kumaliya granted the request, adjourning the trial until April 8, 2025.
The EFCC disclosed that Ugwu failed to return or account for the money when confronted by the petitioner.
The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling financial crimes, particularly scams involving deception and impersonation.
Government Directs Verification Of March Salaries Before Payment In Kano
Government directs verification of March salaries before payment in Kano. The Kano State Government has mandated civil servants to verify their March salaries before disbursement.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Faruk Umar Ibrahim, announced the directive on Monday, citing concerns over deductions and irregularities in January and February salaries.
“To ensure transparency and fairness, all civil servants must confirm their salary details through their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and report any discrepancies,” Ibrahim stated.
Salary lists will be displayed at key locations within MDAs and all 44 local government secretariats to facilitate the process.
A committee, led by Head of Service Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, has been set up to oversee the verification and expedite payments.
Kano State
Acknowledging the approaching Eid-el-Fitr celebration, Ibrahim assured workers that efforts were underway to ensure timely salary payments.
He also emphasized that the exercise would not disrupt government operations.
PUMA Replaces Nike as Premier League’s Official Ball Supplier In 2025/26 Season
PUMA replaces Nike as premier league’s official ball supplier in 2025/26 season. Global sportswear brand PUMA has secured a major deal with the Premier League, becoming its Official Ball Supplier starting from the 2025/26 season.
Announced on Monday, this partnership sees PUMA take over from Nike, which has supplied match balls for the league for over two decades.
The agreement will not only place PUMA’s ball at the heart of every Premier League match but also involve collaborations on grassroots programs, high-profile marketing campaigns, and events like the Premier League Summer Series in the U.S.
PUMA CEO Arne Freundt described the deal as a significant step in the company’s efforts to elevate its brand in elite football.
“With PUMA’s ball at the center of attention during every match, we will create unforgettable moments for players and fans alike,” he said.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters welcomed the partnership, emphasizing PUMA’s strong history in football and its alignment with the league’s values.
PUMA Replaces Nike
“We are delighted to welcome PUMA as the Official Ball Supplier of the Premier League. Their global reach and commitment to excellence will help inspire fans worldwide,” Masters stated.
With this landmark deal, PUMA expands its influence in top-tier football, strengthening its presence in the world’s most-watched league.
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