Table of Contents
- Youth Empowerment
- Transforming Hustles into Skills
- Details of the Initiative
- Importance of Collaboration
The Special Adviser on Strategy and Policy Development to the Director General of the National Sports Commission and former Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Job Creation and Youth Empowerment, Abiola Odetola, has encouraged Nigerian youths to channel their street energy and hustle into productive skills.
Odetola emphasized that despite the challenging economic conditions, youths must learn to earn through skill development, create with integrity, and compete on a global scale.
He believes that if young people can convert their hustles into skills, it would significantly change Africa's narrative.
He made these remarks on Wednesday during the launch of the “StreetToSkills” initiative.
The Nigerian policy strategist and youth advocate explained that the initiative serves as a national platform that connects youth potential with the needs of a rapidly digitizing economy, thereby establishing a talent pipeline for the digital, creative, sports, and green sectors.
He stated, “Nigeria’s streets are not symbols of despair; they are reservoirs of raw talent awaiting structure, mentorship, and belief.
“If a single young person can turn hustle into skills, then together we can rewrite Africa’s narrative—one cohort, one community, one continent at a time.
“This demonstrates that the government, private sector, and civil society can collaboratively create pathways that elevate young people from hustle to dignity. We are fostering a generation that will earn through skill, create with integrity, and compete globally.”
In her comments, Oluwatosin Adejayo, founder of Design Cave, highlighted that through training and empowerment, young individuals can discover their purpose rather than succumb to depression.
She expressed her delight that half of the participants are women who have transcended traditional roles and are making significant strides in technology and innovation, asserting that the 37 participants are ready to develop genuine digital solutions, address design challenges, and enhance their understanding of data.
Meanwhile, Tosin Fakile, Founder of Devcent Trainings, emphasized the value of collaboration, stating that it facilitates reaching a broader audience, creating opportunities, and empowering the next generation of tech talents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "StreetToSkills" initiative?
The "StreetToSkills" initiative is a national platform aimed at aligning youth potential with the demands of a rapidly digitizing economy, creating a talent pipeline for various sectors including digital, creative, sports, and green economies.
How can young people benefit from this initiative?
Young people can benefit by receiving training and mentorship that helps them transform their hustles into productive skills, ultimately finding their purpose and improving their economic prospects.
Why is collaboration important in this context?
Collaboration is crucial as it enables various stakeholders to reach a larger audience, create more opportunities, and empower the next generation of talent in the technology sector.
