President Bola Tinubu has stated the willingness of the Federal Government of Nigeria to facilitate the establishment of one million digital jobs in Nigeria by the global tech giant Google Incorporated.

Richard Gingras, Google Global Vice President, paid Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, a courtesy call on Friday.

President Tinubu emphasized that the tech giant has the resources and tools that the young people need to excel when he informed the visiting Google executive that Nigeria has young people who are creative and bright and who are eager and motivated to learn, especially in this age of artificial intelligence.

“I am glad that Google is ready to partner with us. You have answered our call on digital innovation and to help our youths. You are supporting our efforts to promote digital economy. We are ready to work with you on your commitment to create 1 million digital jobs in Nigeria.

“We will give you all the support you need to have a beneficial corporate responsibility. We have started our economic reforms, even though tortuous,” the President said.

On Google’s promotion of free speech, freedom of the press and democracy through its platforms, President Tinubu declared: “It is in public interest to continue to defend free press and free speech. We are committed to supporting a free society.”

In his address, the Google Vice President had earlier told President Tinubu that he was in Nigeria for the West Africa Journalism Innovation Conference.

He said he had been inspired by the creativity and talent of young people in Nigeria who are embracing technology and digital tools to expand access to information and promote democracy.

Mr Gingras told President Tinubu that his organisation has deep interest in Nigeria and stands ready to support the Federal Government.

He said that Google would help secure Nigeria in the age of disinformation and fake news, saying that his organisation seeks to continue its partnership with the Nigerian government.