By Blessing Bature
The United Nations Secretary-General resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria has reaffirmed commitment to supporting the IP project, aimed at unlocking the potential of young people across Nigeria.
The UN secretary General, Mr Malick Fall made the commitment at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), IP Salaye Demo day Abuja that the initiative focuses on empowering youth through various programs and interventions, enhancing their skills, and promoting their active participation in society.
According to him, by investing in youth empowerment, the project encourages innovation and creativity, essential for driving progress and growth in various sectors.
“Through our work in the field of employment, climate action, innovation, and nuclear enterprises, we are working alongside government, civil society, and private sector partners to ensure that Nigerian youth have access to opportunities, resources, and platforms where they can trust”, he said.
He commended Director WIPO Nigeria Office for his incredible leadership and for his support of the amazing project while reaffirming UN families’ commitment to supporting the project that unlocks the potential of young people across the country.
“Your ideas and prototypes reflect the very best of what Nigeria needs. As you pitch your ideas today, remember that you are not just showcasing your solutions. You are presenting the future of Nigerian enterprises, driven by innovation, powered by intellectual property, and led by the economy.
“The Director, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Nigeria office, Oluwatobiloba Moody said WIPO have trained more than 28 Corp members on WIPO IP Salaye where we’re raising awareness about the importance of intellectual property (IP) as a tool for growth and development.
“Our initiative, IP Shalaya, aims to build the capacity of young people to utilize IP effectively. While it’s designed specifically for youth corps members, our organization has broader plans to engage with young people across various sectors.
“We intend to scale IP Salaye to reach more states in Nigeria, ensuring that youth corps members nationwide can benefit from this initiative. By empowering young people with knowledge about IP, we can foster innovation, creativity, and economic growth.
“Our approach includes targeted programs for different groups, including university students and children. However, IP Salaye is specifically tailored for youth corps members, providing them with valuable skills and insights to leverage IP for their benefit”, he added.
Ayo Jennifer, a youth corps member, expressed her enthusiasm about the insights gained from the programme.
