Joel Ajayi
In its unrelenting efforts to create more job opportunities for many Nigerians especially the Youth, the Ministry of Youth Development and National Insurance Commission (NAICOM has joined forces together to equip well over one million young individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the Insurance sector.
The Minister for State for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande while speaking on Friday, in Abuja during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NAICOM reveals that the government is ready to work with all Stakeholders to create job opportunities for Youth.
He expressed that, one of the greatest challenges confronting Nigeria today, is unemployment, saying that that is why the Ministry is committed to working with all stakeholders to create opportunities for youth in areas such as data management, digital literacy, and the creative and entertainment sector.
Olawande said that the current administration will continue to strive more to identify opportunities in all sectors to engage the country’s youth effectively.
According to him, “This partnership will guide our efforts within the next year to bring one million young Nigerians into the insurance sector.”
“The Future of Nigeria rests on the shoulders of youth who make up over 60% of our population. However, insurance, which is critical to the economy of a growing nation like Nigeria, has been under-utilized among this critical demography,” he said.
Olawande emphasized that the partnership with NAICOM aims to raise awareness among the youth about the importance of insurance, promote entrepreneurship, and create job opportunities across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
“We will use digital technology to educate, inspire, and connect Nigerian youth to careers and opportunities in Insurance. This program will be hosted through our digital platform, the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), which has already been announced by President Bola Tinubu. Through NiYA, we will offer numerous insurance courses, allowing our youth to not only gain knowledge but also establish connections with Insurance companies, brokers, and other stakeholders,” he stated.
Minister However commended the President for continuously supporting youth initiatives and for providing the Ministry with the NiYA platform. He also thanked the executives of NAICOM for making the program a reality.
Earlier, the Chief Executive of NAICOM, Omosehin said that the partnership with the Ministry aims to provide opportunities for youth to grow, develop, engage collaboratively, and ultimately find employment.
Omosehin stated that the MoU is anticipated to open doors for over one million suitably trained and employed Nigerians in the insurance sector, adding that the insurance industry offers a significant opportunity for employment for the youth.
“We have a sector that is prepared for business and expansion, and one that needs the dynamism and energy that the youth can offer. This is why NAICOM is collaborating with the Chartered Institute of Nigeria to provide the necessary training.
“This training will help re-orient these youths and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the insurance sector and become productive members of society. This will be a significant win for our nation as these young people will not only provide for themselves but also for their families, contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria.”
