Nourishing Innovation: Balancing the Gig Economy and Job Security for Sustainable Growth

A short essay I hope the Japan Youth Summit reviewed. Take a look below:

As a youth leader committed to Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), my journey began with addressing protein deficiency in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions. This experience illuminated the intricate link between nutrition and economic development, propelling me to explore how innovation and the gig economy can be harmonized with job security to foster inclusive economic growth.

Tackling Protein Deficiency: A Gateway to Economic Empowerment

In 2022, I led the "Right to Protein" campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating protein deficiency—a pressing issue affecting approximately 45% of Nigerians, especially in northern communities. The campaign focused on educating communities about affordable, locally sourced protein options like soybeans and groundnuts. By collaborating with local farmers and nutritionists, we not only improved dietary habits but also created economic opportunities for women and youth through the cultivation and sale of these protein-rich crops.

The challenges were multifaceted, including cultural dietary norms and limited economic agency among women. To overcome these, we conducted culturally sensitive awareness campaigns in local languages and organized community nutrition fairs. These efforts led to the establishment of micro-enterprises, empowering women and fostering economic inclusion.

The Gig Economy: Opportunities and Challenges

Nigeria's burgeoning youth population faces a staggering unemployment rate, with many turning to the gig economy for survival. While gig work offers flexibility and immediate income, it often lacks job security and social protection. My interactions with gig workers revealed a cycle of instability, hindering their ability to access essential services and long-term growth.

To address this, I advocate for the formalization of gig labor through worker cooperatives and digital unions. These structures can provide freelancers with collective bargaining power, access to benefits, and opportunities for skill development, ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of worker dignity.

Project Proposal: Sustainable Innovation and Work Lab (SIWL)

Building on these insights, I propose the establishment of the Sustainable Innovation and Work Lab (SIWL) in Kaduna State. The SIWL aims to empower 500 young individuals, particularly women and gig workers, through:

1. Upskilling and Certification: Providing training in high-demand sectors like agritech and e-commerce, coupled with industry-recognized certifications.

2. Worker Protection: Partnering with legal and HR firms to educate gig workers on their rights and offer access to portable benefits.

3. Enterprise Incubation: Offering seed funding and mentorship for innovative micro-businesses that align sustainability with profitability.

The expected outcomes include job creation, enhanced worker protections, and the development of scalable social enterprises that balance innovation with inclusivity.

Embracing Global Collaboration: The World Youth Festival in Japan

Attending the World Youth Festival in Japan presents a unique opportunity to collaborate with global changemakers, exchange best practices, and refine strategies for balancing innovation with job security. The festival's diverse platform will enable me to:

• Network: Forge partnerships with international stakeholders to support the SIWL initiative.

• Learn: Gain insights into successful models of inclusive economic development from other countries.

• Advocate: Share Nigeria's experiences and challenges, contributing to global dialogues on sustainable economic growth.

The knowledge and connections acquired will be instrumental in scaling our efforts and influencing policy reforms that prioritize inclusive economic development.

Conclusion

My journey from addressing protein deficiency to advocating for balanced economic innovation underscores the interconnectedness of health, employment, and sustainable growth. By integrating the flexibility of the gig economy with robust worker protections, we can create an inclusive economic landscape that empowers all individuals. The World Youth Festival serves as a catalyst for this vision, offering the collaborative platform necessary to drive meaningful change.

References:

• National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). (2023). Unemployment and Underemployment Report.

• United Nations. (2022). The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022.

• International Labour Organization. (2021). The Role of Digital Labor Platforms in Transforming the World of Work.

• FAO. (2020). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World.

• Onabu, R. (2020). Protein Deficiency: A Blight On Modern Healthcare. Business Post Nigeria.