INTRO

Last week, we continued to drive impactful conversations and collaborations that will shape the future of Nigeria’s digital economy. From engaging with global development partners to advancing youth empowerment and tech-driven agriculture, each engagement reflects our commitment to delivering on the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

I wrapped up the week in Abeokuta, Ogun State where I joined H.E Sen. Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria, and other notable dignitaries to witness the colourful opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival. 

TIMELINE

Monday, May 12 – Driving Policy through Strategic Engagements

• On Monday, I presided over a meeting with my internal team to assess the progress of our Ministry’s strategic initiatives for effective delivery. 
• I then joined other key stakeholders on a panel session to discuss the World Bank Nigeria Development Update themed, ‘Building Momentum for Inclusive Growth’. There, I highlighted the support we are receiving from the Development Finance Institution (DFI) – under the Project BRIDGE Initiative – targeted at expanding connectivity across unserved and underserved communities across the country. I was joined on the panel by H.E Caleb Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Plateau State; Wale Edun, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Olayemi Cardoso, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); and Oluyemi Oloyede, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UAC Foods. The event was hosted by Taimur Samad, Acting Country Director, World Bank Nigeria.
• Following this event, I headed to the Presidential Villa for the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tuesday, May 13 – Advancing Youth Empowerment and Social Protection Initiatives

• I received representatives of CareConnect AI led by its Chief Executive Officer, Chuck Slaughter, to discuss their product which is an AI-powered workforce optimization platform developed to facilitate cost-effective healthcare delivery in Nigeria. 
• After this I received in my office, Funmi Olotu, National Coordinator, National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), to further our conversations on deepening the impact of the Federal Government’s social protection initiatives targeted at empowering poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
• I then hosted a delegation of Special Advisers on Youth and Sports from various states of the Federation to discuss their youth engagement initiatives. At the meeting, I restated my commitment to support initiatives geared at empowering young people across the country, irrespective of their background. 

Friday, May 16 – Launch of National Blockchain Whitepaper

We released a Whitepaper detailing our efforts to develop a holistic National Blockchain Policy. The Policy aims to provide a structured, inclusive, and forward-looking framework for Blockchain adoption in Nigeria. Click this link to download the Whitepaper.