President Bola Tinubu has expressed the willingness of the Federal Government to support global tech giant, Google Incorporated, to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria.
The president gave the assurance at the State House on Friday during the visit of Google Global Vice President, Richard Gingras, to his office.
Mr 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, AI.
He stressed 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 digital economy.
”We are ready to work with you on your commitment to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria.
“We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility. We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous,” the president said.
On Google’s promotion of free speech, freedom of the press and democracy through its platforms, Tinubu declared that it is in public interest that free speech and press freedom should not be impeded.
“It is in public interest to continue to defend free press and free speech. We are committed to supporting a free society,” he said.
The Google Vice President had earlier told Tinubu that he was in Nigeria for West Africa Journalism Innovation Conference.
Mr 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 the president that his organisation has deep interest in Nigeria and stands ready to support the federal government.
He listed the many capabilities of Google to include areas of Artificial Intelligence and other digital innovations that are empowering young people to become digital entrepreneurs.
Mr Gingras added that Google subsea cable, Equiano, named after Nigerian slave abolitionist, that will significantly impact future internet connectivity demands, landed in Nigeria in April 2022.
NAN
