Vice President Kashim Shettima has provided assurance that the Naira will maintain its stability in the upcoming weeks and months. He made this statement during the inauguration of the National Design and Innovation Competition at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
The event, organized by the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN), aims to promote entrepreneurship and creative endeavors among young people. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that in February, the Naira was exchanging for as high as N1900 to a dollar. However, due to certain monetary policies implemented by the government, the currency has gradually appreciated.
Currently, the Naira is exchanging at N1396 to a dollar in the official market and N1470 in the parallel market. Vice President Shettima reiterated the government's commitment to implementing policies and programs that would further stabilize the Naira.
Furthermore, Shettima assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would continue to address issues related to food, nutrition, and insecurity. He praised the creative role of youths and pledged the government's ongoing support for their aspirations.
Additionally, the Vice President announced plans to integrate young innovators into the government’s 617.7 million dollars Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) program. Meanwhile, Titi Ogufere, the leader of the delegation and founder of IDAN, disclosed plans to train one million youths in furniture production and industrial design. This training initiative, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, will feature design competitions and workshops where participants can showcase their prototypes, working alongside top Nigerian manufacturers like AFP by Julius Berger, TRT Aredo, Wood Styles, IO Furniture, and Nettetal.
