The NBM of Africa Worldwide has initiated discussions with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) on a strategic partnership aimed at empowering Nigerian youth and developing human capital. This move seeks to expand opportunities for young Nigerians and vulnerable communities. The engagement follows a courtesy visit by the NBM delegation to Dr. Bello Mustapha at the PTDF in Abuja.
The NBM delegation, led by Amb. Dr. Anyakora Chris Ugo on behalf of the President of NBM of Africa Worldwide, Dr. Charles Chimezie, explored areas of institutional cooperation that can translate Nigeria's human resources into greater opportunities for young people. The delegation included distinguished members such as Dr. Ransome Oboh, Prof. Abubakar Sadeeq, and Prince Dr. Hassan Momoh.
The visit aimed to strengthen institutional relations with the PTDF while identifying practical areas for collaboration in developing skills, empowering young people, and supporting humanitarian initiatives. This engagement is significant given the large population of young Nigerians seeking education, skills, employment, and sustainable livelihoods in a competitive economy.
For millions of young Nigerians, access to quality skills and meaningful opportunities is more than an economic issue; it represents a pathway out of poverty, vulnerability, and hopelessness, and a chance to contribute productively to national development. The NBM delegation emphasized the importance of partnerships that move beyond discussions to programs capable of equipping young Nigerians with relevant knowledge, technical skills, and opportunities for self-reliance.
The proposed areas of collaboration could provide opportunities for humanitarian organizations and public institutions to combine their strengths in addressing social and economic challenges confronting vulnerable Nigerians. The NBM stated that stronger institutional partnerships are critical to unlocking the potential of Nigeria's youthful population and ensuring that young people are not left at the margins of the country's development process.
The meeting marked another step in the NBM's efforts to build strategic relationships with institutions capable of advancing its humanitarian and Pan-African objectives. The ultimate goal is to put human dignity, opportunity, and service to humanity at the heart of sustainable development. This partnership aligns with the NBM's broader Pan-African vision of using service to humanity, youth empowerment, and human capital development to build stronger communities across Africa.
The engagement between NBM and PTDF underscores a wider national imperative: Nigeria's vast youth population must be treated not merely as beneficiaries of development programs but as critical partners in building a productive, innovative, and prosperous nation. The partnership is expected to provide opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire relevant skills and knowledge, ultimately contributing to the country's development.
Key points
- The NBM and PTDF are partnering to empower Nigerian youth and develop human capital.
- The partnership aims to provide opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire relevant skills and knowledge.
- The engagement aligns with the NBM's Pan-African vision of using service to humanity, youth empowerment, and human capital development.
