The Federal Government and the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at poverty reduction and job creation through digital literacy and training of Nigerian youths.

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and the Small Business Training Solutions (SBTS), in partnership with the DBI, signed the agreement in Abuja.

They signed the MoU at the office of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, yesterday in Abuja. The parties said the pact aimed at bringing Nigerian youths into the mainstream of economic activities through digital empowerment.

The President/CEO of DBI, Mr. David Daser, signed for his company, Mr. Evelyn Lewis, who is the Managing Director of SBTS, also signed for his company, while the Permanent Secretary in the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry, Dr. Yakubu Kofamata, signed for the ministry.

The partnership is set to drive a large-scale capacity building under the Federal Government’s National NPower Programme, Dr. Kofamata, who represented the minister, said.

He said the initiative was designed to promote digital literacy, employability, and job creation for Nigerian youths and vulnerable populations, aligning closely with the government’s poverty reduction and economic inclusion agenda.

Daser reiterated DBI’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge ICT training across its campuses nationwide, saying: “This collaboration underscores our mission to bridge the digital divide and build a competent workforce ready for the challenges of the digital economy.”

Under the agreement, the ministry will provide policy support, facilitate trainee enrolment, and officially integrate the programme into NPower.

SBTS said it would deploy its Intelligent Capacity Building Model (ICBM) and drive job placements through its extensive corporate networks.

Also, as the foremost ICT training, education and capacity building institute in Nigeria, the DBI would offer high-quality training through its faculty and advanced facilities spread across all the geo-political zones in the country.

Our correspondent gathered that a Joint Steering Committee would be established to oversee implementation, monitor progress, and ensure measurable and scalable impact.

According to M. David, the partnership marks a significant leap in empowering Nigeria’s youths with globally competitive digital skills and creating tangible pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.