Tinubu Restates Commitment to Make Nigeria A Nation of Innovators, Builders 

* NDE tasked to assume leading role in lifting Nigerians out of poverty

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to transforming Nigeria into a nation of creators and builders, ensuring a prosperous Nigeria for Nigerians and future generations to come.

Tinubu made the statement on Tuesday through the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, at the 55th International Conference & Exhibition and Emerald (55th) Anniversary of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja 

Tinubu said that his administration is committed to steering Nigeria towards self-reliance and reducing dependency on others.

He envisions an unprecedented level of industrial activity, marked by the establishment of unique industrial hubs tailored at the strengths of each region in the nation.

He also said that his commitment to ending poverty is deeply intertwined with his focus on economic growth and job creation.

The president recognises that sustainable development can only be achieved by fostering an environment where job opportunities abound, ensuring food security, and eradicating poverty.

In addition, the president said that inclusivity is paramount in the pursuit of his vision, stating that women and youth will be prominently featured in all endeavours, recognizing them as integral contributors to the nation’s success.

His words: “I  am reminded of the crucial role that human resources play in shaping the destiny of our nation. Our collective vision must transcend the ordinary, and today, I wish to share with you a vision that centres on transforming Nigeria into a nation of creators and builders, ensuring a prosperous Nigeria for us and future generations to come. 

“As I have said repeatedly, poverty is not a shameful thing – but it is an unacceptable thing. Therefore, my vision for the Nigerian workforce is one where every citizen who wishes to be, is gainfully employed and able to take care of themselves and their family. Together, keying into this vision, we will banish poverty.

“In the face of global challenges, my administration is committed to steering Nigeria towards self-reliance and reducing dependency on others. We envision an unprecedented level of industrial activity, marked by the establishment of unique industrial hubs tailored to the strengths of each region in our great nation.

“Our commitment to ending poverty is deeply intertwined with our focus on economic growth and job creation. We recognize that sustainable development can only be achieved by fostering an environment where job opportunities abound, ensuring food security and eradicating poverty.

“In the pursuit of our vision, inclusivity is paramount. We will prominently feature women and youth in all our endeavours, recognizing them as integral contributors to our nation’s success.”

He said government’s commitment to making Nigeria a nation of creators and builders is essential for the country’s long-term growth and prosperity. 

Similarly, Onyejeocha has charged the leadership of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to assume a more significant role in lifting Nigerians out of poverty.

She said the NDE is a critical agency in the fight against poverty in Nigeria, by assuming a more significant role in lifting Nigerians out of poverty, the NDE can help to build a more prosperous and equitable society.

Onyejeocha made this call earlier at a meeting with the leadership of the NDE with the theme: ‘Developing a Roadmap for the NDE within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda’, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

She described the NDE as the apex job creation agency in the country, adding that its role is more crucial than ever before as the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Tinubu is working towards propelling the nation towards a sustained progressive economy and job creation.

The minister said that the current administration has weaved its employment policy around skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development for blue collar jobs and that the NDE is a catalyst in the attainment of the president’s desire to lift 50 million Nigerians out of poverty.

She called on the NDE to strengthen strategic initiatives to create more decent jobs and to be ready to translate the articulated policies of government into tangible realities. 

The minister also charged the NDE to focus on the youth, women and vulnerable groups to build the core skills needed for national revival, growth and prosperity.

Onyejeocha also stressed the need to increase the tempo of sensitization and awareness for the skills acquisition programmes and entrepreneurship development initiatives of the Directorate.

She expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the president for the opportunity to contribute to the upliftment of the unemployed in Nigeria.

The minister said the call to the NDE is timely and necessary, especially at a time when Nigeria is faced with unemployment challenges, especially among the youth and women. 

She noted that the NDE, with its mandate to create jobs and promote employment, has a critical role to play in addressing this challenge. 

She further noted that by focusing on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development, the NDE can help to equip Nigerians with the skills needed to be self-employed or to find jobs in the growing sectors of the economy.