In a high-profile meeting with Ms. Reeta Roy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard Foundation, President Bola Tinubu extolled the vibrancy, talent, and eagerness to learn exhibited by the Nigerian youth, asserting their readiness to compete globally.
The President affirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting public-private partnerships aimed at creating dignified work and employment opportunities for Nigerian youths. He applauded the Mastercard Foundation’s initiative, which seeks to generate 10 million jobs for young people in Nigeria, aligning with his Renewed Hope Agenda for economic development and job creation.
Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of inclusive governance and altering perceptions of the country. He highlighted Nigeria’s status as the largest economy in Africa and emphasized the need for responsible leadership to uphold its continental leadership role. The President underscored the potential of Nigeria’s youth population, expressing confidence in their ability to excel in the global economy.
President Tinubu also welcomed the Mastercard Foundation’s focus on digitization, recognizing technology as a powerful tool against corruption. He pledged collaboration and the removal of impediments to facilitate the Foundation’s initiatives, emphasizing the importance of building the youth’s hope on a foundation of sustainable growth and prosperity.
Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, acknowledged the Mastercard Foundation’s significant impact on human capital development in Nigeria and Africa. He lauded the Foundation’s prudent use of its $40 billion worth of assets and expressed optimism about the partnership’s positive impact on social intervention and health service delivery.
Ms. Reeta Roy, the CEO of Mastercard Foundation, informed President Tinubu of the Foundation’s focus on education and financial inclusion in Africa, aiming to impact 30 million young Africans by 2030. She reported progress on the 10 million job target for Nigeria, with 2.1 million young people already engaged in dignified work under the ‘Young Africa Work Strategy.’ Additionally, seven million individuals have participated in programs categorized as work enablers, including skill acquisition, education, and access to financial tools.
Expressing excitement about exploring opportunities in the healthcare sector, Ms. Roy acknowledged President Tinubu’s commitment to economic growth across multiple sectors. She expressed gratitude for the President’s contributions to the health sector, pledging steadfast partnership and readiness to learn.
In conclusion, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, reiterated the President’s dedication to collaboration and applauded the Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth across various sectors. The meeting showcased a shared vision for sustainable economic development and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
