As part of its commitment to supporting economic and human development initiatives, the U.S. government has decided through its Consulate in Nigeria to kit 70 Nigerians on a 6-week digital and employability skills program.
The empowerment, which is coming from United States African Development Foundation (USADF) under its Employability Support Project in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), will help create job opportunities and facilitate improved sustainable economic growth and development.
According to a press statement, the employability training program is aimed at creating more job opportunities for youths in the state, reducing unemployment and improving economic growth, and will also equip participants with digital and management skills that will enable them to contribute to the growth of various organizations.
After an intensive six weeks of training, more than 70 youths participated in the first cohort graduation ceremony, which was held at the American Space in Ikeja, Lagos. American Spaces are opened to young Nigerians looking to develop ideas, as well as leadership and entrepreneurship skills through programs and workshops designed especially for them.
Speaking at the event, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli highlighted the importance of small businesses in spurring economic growth and boosting shared prosperity.
“For Nigeria to succeed, the men and women who create businesses or hope to develop new businesses and job opportunities must succeed. Ideas for new products or improved services will produce the growth, jobs and incomes that will lead to a more prosperous and stable Nigeria,” Ibelli said.
Ibelli explained that the U.S. Mission in Nigeria supports a variety of exchange programs each year focused on promoting entrepreneurship and technological innovation.