In the wake of the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Edo State and four other states are exploring opportunities to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by harnessing the talents of youths.
This was the outcome of a two-day strategic technical session on investor targeting and lead generation, organized by Wavteq, for Edo, Kaduna Jigawa, Nasarawa and Ogun states, in Abuja.
The Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO)-Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, Kelvin Uwaibi, said it was imperative to harness the talents of young Nigerians, especially in technology and the creative industry.
He said: “Edo State is already doing this through the effective and efficient Skills Development Agency (Edojobs) and tech hubs, such as the Innovation Hub and Edo Tech Park as well as the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and SoundStage.”
According to him, “I think as a country, we need to look into this sector seriously with a view to training the young population. That way, we can guarantee the availability of the required skills and labour force to drive the economy. In Edo State, we are deliberately training the young people on technology. We are determined to make digital skills available because it is a critical requirement to drive the economy in the nearest future, even now”
“When they are trained, young people will be equipped with the requisite knowledge in such a way that they can work from Nigeria without necessarily traveling abroad. They can work from here, where the cost of living is low.”
