The Ministry of Youth Development has signified interest to work in synergy with the Tony Elumelu Foundation to ensure acquisition of essential skills and promotion of entrepreneurship development among young people.

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, stated this when he met with the management of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), led by Ms. Somachi Chris-Asoluka in Lagos.

Olawande said the collaboration would involve various training programmes, mentorship initiatives, and access to resources that will empower the youth to become successful entrepreneurs and professionals in their respective fields.

A release by the director, Press and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, quoted the minister as stating the need to maintain strong working relationships between the public and private entities.

He noted that better and faster results can be achieved when multiple stakeholders join forces.

“Just yesterday at the Lagos State Employment Summit, I highlighted the importance of fostering deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors. Today, I am here to put those words into action by discussing how we can partner to improve the prospects of young people.

“The Tony Elumelu Foundation has had a tremendous impact over the years, particularly in creating jobs and reducing poverty through their entrepreneurship programme. This programme has enabled many young people in Nigeria and Africa to become employers,” the minister stated.

Olawande opined that partnering with the Ministry of Youth Development could further enhance the organisation’s achievements.

In her response, TEF’s chief executive officer, Ms Somachi Chris-Asoluka, applauded some of the minister’s initiatives. She expressed her excitement about the programmes, which she described as prioritising the needs of the grassroots.

“I am genuinely impressed by your dedicated efforts to engage with young people. Providing them with the opportunity to express their needs and preferences is essential in ensuring effective support,” the TEF boss said.

On potential areas of collaboration, Ms. Chris-Asoluka wholeheartedly pledged the unwavering support of the Tony Elumelu Foundation for the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) project and the Corpreneur Support Initiative of the Youth Ministry, adding that this commitment reflects a shared vision to empower and uplift the youth through collaborative efforts.