…we have trained 2.4m youths, got 500,000 jobs in 4yrs -Jobberman
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai, has said that Governor Uba Sani’s drive to transform Kaduna into the nation’s skills hub is a strategic step towards addressing youth unemployment.
Speaking at the 2025 edition of the Jobberman Career Fair held over the weekend, Mrs Fakai revealed that the state government is constructing three world-class Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities, one in each senatorial zone, to equip young people with relevant skills.
She emphasised that tackling youth unemployment requires a holistic and collaborative strategy, urging stakeholders to develop integrated employment plans that not only generate jobs but also support young people in transitioning into decent and sustainable careers.
Mrs Fakai reminded the participants that the Career Fair ‘’reflects a powerful partnership between government, the private sector, and educational institutions aimed at empowering our youth and supporting our economic ambitions.”
She recalled that the maiden edition of the Career Fair which held on the 23rd of November, 2023, recorded a significant milestone, with ‘’a total of 1,496 unemployed youth with 71 representatives of employers of labour in attendance and over 300 job placements have been secured to date and still counting.”
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The Commissioner noted that this year’s edition of Jobberman Kaduna Career Fair ‘2025 is themed “Meet – Connect – Get Hired,’’ just as she expressed optimism that the programme will succeed in addressing the challenges of youth unemployment.
According to her, the success of the programme is hinged on employers of labour, career placement organizations, and training providers, remaining committed to the implementation strategies.
Mrs Fakai reminded employers that they are the backbone of economic growth, adding that their willingness to invest in talent will empower ‘’ not just for those you hire, but for the entirety of Kaduna State.’’
The Commissioner told the job seekers that the Fair provides an ‘’opportunity to showcase your skills, your creativity, and your passion. It is a moment to engage, learn, and grow.’’
“Remember that each interaction here is a step toward realizing your potential and securing your future. Your careers do not only serve your personal growth but are integral to the progress of our beloved state,’’ she added.
She also commended Jobberman for ‘’orchestrating such a vital initiative, connecting thousands of hopefuls with their potential careers and contributing to bridging the employment gap in Nigeria.”
In his welcome address, the Head of Programme Impact and Partnerships The African Talent Company(TATC), Ahmed Alaga said Jobberman Nigeria, was deeply committed to tackling youth unemployment and equipping young Nigerians with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the workforce, as it has trained over 2.4million youths and placed over 500,000 on dignified jobs in the last five years.
According to him, “One of the key ways we have done this is through the Young Africa Works (YAW) initiative, a groundbreaking partnership with the Mastercard Foundation aimed at connecting young people to dignified and fulfilling work.
The first phase of this initiative was a remarkable success, enabling us to train over 2.4 million youth in soft skills and place over 500,000 talents in dignified work between 2020 and 2024.
“However, we recognise that our work is far from done. As part of The African Talent Company (TATC) – a network of pan-African brands working together to close the continent’s talent gap – Jobberman is doubling its commitment in this second phase. We are more determined to expand our impact, build stronger industry linkages, and ensure that more young people, especially in Northern Nigeria, have access to the skills, jobs, and opportunities they need to succeed.
“To every jobseeker here today: this fair could be the turning point in your career journey. Some of you will leave this hall with job offers. Others will walk away with a lead, a connection, or insight that could define your next step. We want you to leave here better informed, better equipped, and more hopeful than when you walked in,” Alaga said.