Abuja:The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has called on Nigerian youths to help enhance the country’s global image through their conduct and storytelling. He highlighted the importance of this initiative at The New Nigerian Festival, an event focused on innovation and enterprise, with the theme ‘Great Ideas, Bold Execution’.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Idris, who was represented by Mr. Jibrin Ndace, Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, praised the potential of Nigeria’s youth in areas such as technology, the creative economy, digital services, and manufacturing. He urged them to actively promote these achievements to enhance Nigeria’s economic prospects globally.
Idris assured that the government is striving to provide an environment conducive to transforming these talents into businesses and jobs. He mentioned the ‘Hire from Nigeria’ initiative, launched recently to connect Nigerian professionals with international markets, as a step towards integrating Nigerians into the global economy.
Ms. Victoria Aigbedion, Deputy Director of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, emphasized the pivotal role of sectors like agriculture, technology, and energy in realizing Nigeria’s ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy. She also stressed the need for improved infrastructure to reduce business costs and highlighted the global potential of Nigeria’s creative industries.
Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, pointed out the necessity for stronger execution of ideas to reach the $1 trillion economy target. He called for collaboration across various sectors, stressing that execution requires a collective effort.
Dr. Obaro Osah from the Bank of Industry discussed the bank’s strategy to support economic growth through financing tailored to young businesses, especially those in value-added sectors. Meanwhile, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun of the Bureau of Public Procurement suggested using public procurement to stimulate local industries and urged entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions that meet both government and private-sector needs.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event was supported by partners including the Nigeria Revenue Service and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.