THE United States (U.S.) government has indicated its commitment to supporting economic and human development initiatives in Nigeria that help create job opportunities and facilitate improved sustainable economic growth
American Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli reiterated this at the graduation ceremony of 70 youths, who participated in the first cohort of an intensive six weeks training, organised by a 2019 alumnus of the U.S. Consulate Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, Funke Medun, at the American Corner in Ikeja, Lagos.
A statement by the consulate’s public affairs section stated that the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) under its Employability Support Project in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) supported the programme.
The employability training programme is aimed at creating more job opportunities for youths in the state, reducing unemployment and improving economic growth, and will also equip participants with digital and management skills that will enable them contribute to the growth of various organisations.
Ibelli, while speaking at the event, highlighted the importance of small businesses in spurring economic growth and boosting shared prosperity.
“For Nigeria to succeed, the men and women who create businesses or hope to develop new businesses and job opportunities must succeed. Ideas for new products or improved services will produce the growth, jobs and incomes that will lead to a more prosperous and stable Nigeria,” Ibelli said at the ceremony.
Ibelli explained that the U.S. Mission in Nigeria supports a variety of exchange programmes each year, focusing on promoting entrepreneurship and technological innovation.
They include: the International Visitors Leadership Programme, the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme, the Global Innovation through Science and Technology Programme, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, TechWomen and the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).
“Through these programmes, the United States government will continue to help create a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous future for Nigeria,” Ibelli added.
Medun acknowledged the commitment of the first set of participants to the successful completion of the six weeks capacity building programme and noted that the second batch of the training will commence in the next few weeks.
“We hope that they are able to leverage the skills they have acquired from their participation in this program to contribute to the growth of small businesses in their local communities,” Medun said.
The U.S African Development Foundation is an independent U.S. government agency established by Congress to invest directly in African grassroots enterprises and social entrepreneurs. USADF creates pathways to prosperity for marginalized populations and undeserved communities across the continent.