By John Ikani
As part of efforts geared towards stemming the tide of youth unemployment in Nigeria, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Monday distributed starter packs, laptops, shops and at least one N120,000 each to 1000 youths in Cross Rivers State.
The beneficiaries, who were trained by the Board on GSM phone’s repairs, hardware, and entrepreneurship Development were drawn from the seven LGAs of Cross River South.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony at Marry Ekpeiken Conference Centre, Channel Hotel Calabar, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote said mobile technology had become an indispensable tool in the era of the fourth industrial revolution.
Engr. Wabote pointed that the telecommunication industry is one of the fastest growing in the nation that massively contributes to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“According to data from Nigeria Communications Commission and Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s tele-density grew from 1.89 per cent in 2002 to 102.47 per cent in 2021.
“Similarly, Nigeria’s total subscription to the network now stands at 195 million while the number of android phone users now stands at 56 million,” he noted.
The local content boss appealed to the trainees to effectively use what they have learnt, adding that their involvement in the programme had the capacity to increase the GDP of the nation.
On his part, Hon. Legor Idagbo, Chairman, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Committee in the House of Representatives, noted that similar programmes had earlier been held in Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Jigawa and Yobe states.
Idagbo, representing Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku Federal Constituency of Cross River, facilitated the initiative, saying the selection of the trainees was random and apolitical based on those that applied.
While reeling out the benefits of the programme for the trainees, he told them that the ball was in their courts, adding that they would only succeed by practising what they had been taught.
“It is the mindset that you have that will make you succeed; I want to challenge you to ensure that we see 50 to 60 per cent success from this training,” he said.
Similarly, Gov. Ben Ayade advised the beneficiaries to use the equipment they would be receiving to make their lives better while becoming entrepreneurs.
Represented by his deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, the governor appealed to the beneficiaries not to sell what they have been given but use them to their betterment and that of the state.
“Use what you have been given well, don’t sell them, they are for your good.
“The state is giving you three years tax exemption, access to funds, different initiatives from the Federal Government and protection from multiple taxation,” he said.
Why this matters
It is worthwhile to note that Nigeria has the largest population of youth in the world, with a median age of 18.1 years. About 70% of the population are under 30, and 42% are under the age of 15. About 40% of youths in Nigeria unemployed.
The size and youthfulness of the population offer great potential to expand Nigeria’s capacity as the regional economic hub of Africa and globally.
When productively engaged, a young, large population could be an economic asset because population growth and economic development correlates.
The latest gesture by the NCDMB adds to a long growing list of youth training/empowerment programmes initiated by the Board under the transformational leadership of Engr. Simbi Wabote.
These developments are testament of the Board’s resolve to create in-country value through viable and robust strategic development of capacity and capabilities.
