Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has come out to say that the country is ready to partner with Microsoft Corporation to accelerate the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) on a deepened digital economy.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, recently revealed this in a statement in Abuja, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, the partnership would definitely leverage Microsoft’s experience in the utilisation of technology as an enabler for the delivery of public and social good.

He added that no fewer than 5 million Nigerians would benefit from a digital upskilling programme, so it is a positive move.

His words, “Government is committed to leveraging innovation and technology to bring better outcomes, across a wide area of governance concerns.”

“Indeed, it is with this in mind that we have sought constructive partnerships that would bridge the knowledge, skills and technology gap that exist in most of our communities.”

“This launch is indicative of our commitment and will involve collaboration with various Government agencies as implementing partners.”

“These include the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigerian Institute of Cultural Orientation, and various other local partners.”

“We intend that these initiatives become institutions in their own rights and make a real impact in the lives of our citizens going forward.”

“Working with Microsoft, we intend to upskill 5 million Nigerians through this increased internet access, over the next three years, in various digital skills which will increase both employability and entrepreneurship.”

“The multiplier effect will bring opportunities in rural and urban areas to many young people and will help us deal with unemployment problems, made worse by the pandemic.”

“Leveraging Microsoft’s Technology tools which can be deployed to minimise governance risks and block loopholes.”

“Working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), we will seek to use cutting edge analytical and case management tools to plug holes in our public sector system as well as confront white-collar criminality efficiently.”

“Our focus is of course the Nigerian people; with over 80 million regular internet users, there is no question that Nigerians have fully embraced technology, the internet and their various uses.”