$617 Million Initiative For Creative Enterprise To Launch In States And FCT

NEC authorizes $617 million for 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to participate in a digital and creative enterprises program.

The $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises, or i-DICE, program would be implemented in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with approval from the National Economic Council, or NEC.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, the chairman of the Council, reaffirmed the unwavering resolve of President Bola Tinubu's renewed hope government to leave a legacy of wealth and opportunity for all Nigerians at the 140th virtual meeting of the NEC on Thursday, March 21.

Shettima advised state governors to designate focal points to oversee the program's execution in their individual states and someone to represent each geopolitical zone at the zonal level.

He promised that the program will be implemented with diligence, commitment, and candor throughout the nation when it goes into effect in the upcoming weeks.

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In his introductory remarks, the Vice-President gave his word that the government would not rest on its laurels until the people started enjoying the opportunities they had been promised. He also mentioned that this is the reason why the government is placing a high priority on job creation and skill development.

He pointed out that President Tinubu's eight-point program includes giving priority to anything that provides Nigerians with a means of making a life with dignity.

The Vice President said: “But two things are clear: one, we won't ever regret paving the way for the acquisition of skills that meet the needs of the global markets; two, our actions today will shape the economic landscape of tomorrow, and so it's incumbent upon us to ensure that we leave a legacy of prosperity and opportunity for all Nigerians.

“When we empower entrepreneurs and small business owners, we unlock the potential for innovation, job creation, and economic growth. By providing access to financing, training, and mentorship programs, we unleash the entrepreneurial spirit that lies within every Nigerian, catalyzing a wave of economic prosperity that benefits us all. We cannot achieve this without inclusivity and equitable access to opportunities. This is the ladder we must offer to every disadvantaged citizen.”

Shettima stated that the administration is vigorously pursuing its short-term objectives in order to realize our medium- and long-term programs, having progressed from merely deliberations to the execution phase.

“My confidence in our ability to fix our nation stems from the unity of purpose this Council has demonstrated. We have rejected binary thinking, resisted divisions, and relegated self-interest in favor of a shared vision for progress,” he added.

However, the Vice President noted that even with the current interventions to stop natural disasters, fight crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, lessen the short-term inflationary effects of decisions made to save money, lessen environmental damage, and stop revenue loss, the citizens would not benefit from the efforts unless job creation and skill development are given top priority throughout the country.

Shettima urged the governors and other council members to continue implementing policies that will help the residents escape their current situation, pointing out that now is not the ideal time to be in government.