President Bola Tinubu has expressed the willingness of the Federal Government of Nigeria to support global tech giant, Google Incorporated, to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria.
A statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, Dele Alake, said the President gave the assurance at the State House on Friday during the visit of Google Global Vice President, Richard Gingras, to his office.
Tinubu told the visiting Google executive that Nigeria had creative and talented young people who were ready and motivated to learn, especially in this age of digital revolution.
He said the tech giant had the capabilities and tools that the young people needed to excel.
According to him, “I am glad that Google is ready to partner with us. You have answered our call on digital innovation and to help our youths. You are supporting our efforts to promote digital economy. We are ready to work with you on your commitment to create 1 million digital jobs in Nigeria.
“We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility. We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous.”
On Google’s promotion of free speech, freedom of the press and democracy through its platforms, Tinubu said it was in the public interest that free speech and press freedom should not be impeded.
He said, “It is in public interest to continue to defend free press and free speech. We are committed to supporting a free society.”
Ginfras said he had been inspired by the creativity and talent of young people in Nigeria who were embracing technology and digital tools to expand access to information and promote democracy.
He assured the President that Google had deep interest in Nigeria, and was ready to support the Federal Government.
He listed many capabilities of Google including areas of Artificial Intelligence and other digital innovations that were empowering young people to become digital entrepreneurs.
