President Bola Tinubu on Friday, in Abuja, has expressed the willingness of the Federal Government to support global tech giant, Google Incorporated, to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria.
“We are ready to work with you on your commitment to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria,” the President said when he received Google Global Vice President, Mr. Richard Gingras, at the State House, Abuja.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Friday titled, ‘President Tinubu affirms FG’s readiness to support Google to create 1 million digital jobs in Nigeria.’
Tinubu told the visiting Google executive that Nigeria had creative and talented young people who are ready and motivated to learn especially at this age of Artificial Intelligence, stressing that the tech giant has the capabilities and tools that the young people need to excel.
“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 the digital economy. We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility.
“We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous,” he said.
On Google’s promotion of free speech, freedom of the press, and democracy through its platforms, President Tinubu declared that it is in the public interest that free speech and press freedom should not be impeded.
He said “It is in the public interest to continue to defend free press and free speech. We are committed to supporting a free society.”
In his address, the Google Vice President had earlier told President Tinubu that he was in Nigeria for the West Africa Journalism Innovation Conference.
Gingras said he had been inspired by the creativity and talent of young people in Nigeria who are embracing technology and digital tools to expand access to information and promote democracy.
He told President Tinubu that his organisation has deep interest in Nigeria and stands ready to support the Federal Government.
He listed the many capabilities of Google including areas of Artificial Intelligence and other digital innovations that are empowering young people to become digital entrepreneurs, adding that Google subsea cable, Equiano named after Nigerian slave abolitionist that will significantly impact future Internet connectivity demands landed in Nigeria in April 2022.
The Google Vice President also promised that Google would help to secure Nigeria in the age of disinformation and fake news, saying that his organisation seeks to continue its partnership with the Nigerian government.
“Google has a deep interest in Nigeria. We want to support the government’s efforts to create one million digital jobs. We have all the tools and capabilities to make this happen. We will also help to secure Nigeria and we have discussed that with your National Security Adviser.
“I came to Nigeria to learn. I am going back home very impressed with what I saw. You have very vibrant, creative and talented young people who are embracing innovation.
“We will continue to support your programmes to expand your digital economy,” Mr. Gingras said.
He was accompanied on the visit by the Government and Public Affairs Manager for Google in West Africa, Mr. Adewolu Adene, and Premium Times Publisher, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi.
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