Ministry of Youth Development Commends UNDP for unveiling of Ground Breaking of the Maker Space Anambra State

The Ministry of Youth Development commends the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) for the unveiling of the Ground Breaking of the Marker Space in Anambra State.

The Ministry through its Commissioner of Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba louds the UNDP for such an event saying it's a laudable achievement, as it positions Anambra State as a leading State in Innovation and Enterprise Development Initiatives. 

The Commissioner also said with the kind of programme Mr Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo have put in place for youth development, it will surely attract Private and international organization.

In the programme that attracted the presence of the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, the UNDP Resident Representative, Miss Elsie G Attafuah, the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), 1Youth 2Skills Solution representatives and Solution Innovation District (SID) Technology team, Mr. Patrick confirm that Nigeria has a considerable young and entrepreneurial population which can create opportunities for innovation and sustainable economic growth. Combine with the mission of the Governor of Anambra state which is to turn the state from a Departure Lounge to an Investment Destination through strategic partnerships with critical stakeholders. That alone can boost the UNDP which its efforts is to support governments in strengthening the innovation ecosystem, and advancing Nigeria's development agenda. They also have initiated programmes to foster creativity and innovation among the teeming youth population in the country. One of these initiatives, is the establishment of Maker-spaces in the 6 geopolitical zones in the country.

The Commissioner explained that the aim of Maker-space is to democratize access to entrepreneurship and innovation for all persons, creating pathways for improved livelihoods. He said Maker-space will provide collaborative workspaces for young people to be up-skilled and create tangible products or prototypes. The commissioner also explained that Maker-space will also provide individuals with the tools, resources, and the environment to bring their ideas to life, with an emphasis on supporting young women, persons with disabilities, persons with low literacy skills and persons living in non-urban areas to test and scale their solutions. 

According to Mr Patrick Agha Mba it will not only provide opportunities for experimentation and the creation of tangible products but that it can also be scaled for commercialization, leading to entrepreneurship opportunities and job creation within the state. Equipped with the necessary tools, technology and resources.

The Youth Development Commissioner also mentioned that Maker-space will allow ideas to come to life and offer young people the chance to connect with industry experts and develop practical skills, ultimately leading to job creation and economic growth within communities in line with the vision and manifesto of Mr Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR of creating 130,000 private sector jobs and making Anambra State the Entrepreneurial hub of Nigeria. 

Finally the Commissioner commended the UNDP efforts and expressed readiness to partner and work with resources and human capital available to meet their needs.