LAGOS, April 24 -- Huawei Technologies, China's leading global Information and Communication Technology solution provider and the government of Nigeria has developed a partnership to initiate a social development program that would empower 1000 youths in information and communications technology (ICT), an official said on Sunday.

Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Student Affairs, Nasir Adhama, who disclosed this in a statement made available to Xinhua in Lagos, said this was part of the government's efforts addressing the issue of unemployment in the country.

The initiative would commence at a date to be announced soon, he said, noting that his office would select and screen the beneficiary participants from all geopolitical zones of the country for the training.

"Out of the 1,000 youth that would be trained by Huawei Africa, 200 would be sent to China for more training on ICT," he added.

The presidential aide stressed that there are many programs and activities that would get local youths engaged and involved.

During the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to China, the special assistant also met with the leaders of the telecommunication company on the proposed ICT program.

Huawei which is one of the global brands in ICT, would also establish a world class ICT center in Nigeria to create more opportunities for Nigerian youths.