By A boost is on the horizon for the Medium and Small Scale Enterprises in Nigeria in the digital space with the offer of N500 billion from Wema Bank for the launch of digital hubs across the country.
The Director of Information in the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, Mr Olusola Abiola who made this know in a statement at the weekend said that funding is an initiative known to be known as FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNnovation Hub saying it result to the opening of hubs in Lagos and Borno States, and later in Katsina, Cross River, Anambra, Oyo, and Kano states to follow afterwards.
According to him, the hubs will be run in partnership with a leading financial institution in Nigeria, WEMA Bank.
He explained that the strategic objectives of the programme include: to empower young enterprenuers by providing them with tailored financial products, training and support to enable them build sustainable businesses that will support the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
“Other objectives include: supporting tech-savvy youths with keen interest in digital innovations and aspire to drive technological advancements, by providing them with financial solutions, training and access to strategic partnerships; and empowering young employees to become an integral part of the workforce in Nigeria, especially those deployed through the NYSC.
“FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNnovation Hub, positioned to serve as a centralised platform to provide cutting-edge digital skills, mentorship and networking opportunities, is targeted at tech-savvy youths and young entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
“The focus is on promoting entrepreneurship, skills development and the integration of young employees in the workforce, particularly getting one million youths employed in the digital economy and upskilling SMEs who can directly add value to the country’s economy.”
Abiola said that one million young adults would be trained in software engineering, product management, business analysis, cloud computing, product design, using a specialized curriculum designed for the FGN/ALAT Digital and SkillNnovation Hub.
“On mentorship, 500,000 SMEs across Nigeria will be mentored by experts while coaches will train and upskill them for business growth and quantum leap.
“Under the scheme, grants will be provided under a collaborative arrangement between the Federal Government and WEMA Bank, setting aside N500 million to be given to SMEs and Techprenuers.” (NAN)
