Google Launches 1.2 Billion Naira Grant Initiative for FG’s 1 Million Jobs Scheme

The Federal Government has thrown its appreciation to the Google team for their intervention in revitalizing the country's digital sector by rewarding a grant to President Bola Tinubu’s administration. 

Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented the government made it known that Google on August 15 gave N1.2 billion grant initiative to support the administration in creating 1 million jobs. The team was addressed at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Shettima said that the grant initiative awarded by Google was to boost the administration's digital employment scheme. He also encouraged other businesses to emulate the steps taken by Google.

V.P. Kashim Shettima said, “Let’s think outside the box and create more job opportunities. We need to walk the talk. It is easy to pontificate but very difficult to bring all of the ideas to fruition. I want to assure you, this administration is ready to partner with you.

“Nigeria is ready for business. The President that we have now wants to leave a legacy that Nigerians will be proud of many years after.” 

Kashim Shettima went on to say that Nigeria with the vast youth population creating millions of job opportunities in the digital sector will be a good move by the administration.

The Plan Tinubu Administration Has for the Digital Sector

“We have more English-speaking people than many countries in Africa and beyond. We missed the agricultural age, we missed the industrial age and we are now in the knowledge-driven post-industrial age.” 

“We have the potential and a unique opportunity to fill the anticipated global talent deficit.

“Access Bank is doing a lot in terms of digital skills, training 1,000 youths in digital skills to create employment opportunities.” 

“We are working with Wema Bank, the Bank of Industry, and other partners on this project. We are willing to partner with Google, and we will work closely with you for the good of our nation,” he added. 

In response to the Federal Government appraisal, the Director of Google West Africa, Mr Olumide Balogun thanked the Tinubu administration for the goal of generating one million digital employment and had committed over N1.2 billion in grants to assist the programme.

He stated that the plan will enable the company to teach digital skills to over 20,000 youths and women to better and improve their lives and livelihoods, as well as help multiple companies to flourish and generate thousands of employment in the field.

Mr. Charles Murito, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy at Google Africa, stated that the business is dedicated to investing in digital infrastructure across Africa, saying that digital transformation in the region may be the driver of the targeted technological jobs.

He discussed the possibilities in Africa, stating that "Google cannot achieve its vision and objectives if it does not effectively cover Nigeria."

The Google program aims to teach 20,000 Nigerian women and young people digital skills. A donation from Google's philanthropic arm to "Mind the Gap" in collaboration with Data Science Nigeria and the Creative Industry Initiative for Africa is helping to fund the initiative. 

This program is consistent with President Bola Tinubu's administration's objective to boost young Nigerians' engagement in the digital economy by generating one million digital jobs.

Ms. Oluwatamilore Oni, Program Manager, Google Africa; Mr. Adewolu Adene, Government Affairs, and Public Policy Manager; and Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Google West Africa, are among the Google representatives that appeared at the Presidential Villa.