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Tag: youths

  • FG urges youths to embrace skills to tackle unemployment

    FG urges youths to embrace skills to tackle unemployment

    The Federal Government has urged young people to embrace technical skills in order to address the country’s rising youth unemployment. 

    The government said such skills like critical thinking, digital literacy, and effective communications are essential tools for navigating the increasingly competitive job markets.

    Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande said this during the Africa and National Youth Day Celebration with the theme: “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century – Building a Resilient Education System: A New Hope for Nigerian Youth,” in Abuja.

    In a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, the minister advocated for youths to prioritise the investment of their time and put efforts in developing a diverse range of essential skills and competencies by actively engaging in the pursuit that can significantly enhance their employability that will make them attractive candidates before their potential employers. 

    The minister said: “Acquiring these skills will equip youth to confidently navigate the complexities and demands of an increasingly competitive job market, where adaptability and innovation are crucial. This proactive approach plays a vital role in addressing the rising unemployment crisis that has been affecting many young Nigerians today.

    “Through dedicated skill development, they can not only improve their job prospects but also lay the groundwork for sustainable career growth and success in the long run. In this rapidly evolving economic landscape, embracing continuous learning and professional development is not just beneficial; it is essential for achieving one’s career aspirations.

    The minister explained that the theme of the programme served as a powerful endorsement of the One Youth Two Skills initiative, adding that it will foster practical skills alongside formal education.

    Olawande stated: “This initiative aims to empower youth and create sustainable employment opportunities. Ultimately, the initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to eliminate unemployment and promote economic growth across the continent.”

    A lecturer at Nile University, Abuja, Professor Ahmed Adamu stated that by next year, 85 million jobs will be lost due to technological advancements, while 97 million new jobs would be created.

    Adamu stressed that the future job market will heavily favour those individuals who proactively seek to acquire new skills and adapt to the evolving technological landscape.

    He said that it was crucial for young people not to only stay informed about emerging technologies but also be actively engaged in learning and development opportunities that will prepare them for these new roles.

    He said by doing so, they can position themselves to benefit from the influx of new job opportunities instead of being left behind in an increasingly competitive job market.

  • ‘Initiate mentorship for youths’

    ‘Initiate mentorship for youths’

    Consul-General of South Africa in Lagos, Prof Bobby Moroe, has urged the government to initiate mentorship programmes to harness youths’ talents in the creative industry.

    He spoke at the Business of Entertainment Conference in Lagos, organised by African Creative Market (ACM) with the theme: ‘Monetising your Art and Ideas’.

    Moroe said entertainment industry in Africa was experiencing growth and transformation, driven by a combination of cultural richness, technological advancements and increasing global interest.

    Read Also: ‘Youths can apply technology in agriculture business’

    Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, said it would provide more opportunities for Nigerian talents.

    Director General of National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, stressed the need for the government to develop modern cinemas and performance spaces in urban and rural areas, to increase access to films, theatre and concerts.

    Co-founder of Africa Creative Market, Dr. Bada Akintunde-Johnson, said ACM continued to evolve, adding it served as a global stage where Africa’s creative entrepreneurs could shine.

    Director General of Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, Yibo Koko, recommended developing initiatives that provided resources and support to marginalised groups in entertainment.

  • Ozurigbo empowers over 2000 youths, women in Imo

    Ozurigbo empowers over 2000 youths, women in Imo

    In a bid to provide training and skill development opportunities to young men and women across the agricultural value chain, Rt. Hon. Ozurigbo Ugonna (OZB) in collaboration with the Federal Corporative College, Oji River, Enugu State, have empowered over 2000 Imo people.

    The participants converged at The Place Event Centre, Owerri, venue of the watershed event, for accreditation before the commencement of the 5-Day program.

    The initiative, which is aimed at practically equipping Imo youth and women with functional skills, offers training in fish farming, poultry, palm oil processing, solar energy installation, and filmmaking, as the facilitators engaged the beneficiaries and participants on the various fields where they have expertise, training their minds on entreprenurship, self reliance, and financial independence for job creation and national productivity.

    Commending Rt. Hon.Ozurigbo Ugonna for always coming up with robust and practical empowernment programs to equip Imo people across all strata of life even when he is no longer in office, the representative of the Provost of Federal Cooperative College , Oji River, Enugu State, Mr. Chukwudi Okey Eze, saluted the leadership drive and tenacity of the former federal lawmaker, Ozurigbo, for proactively attracting such large scale of training to Imo State while expressing his willingness to collaborate with like- minds to ensure that Nigerian youths and women gain the requisite skills for self reliance which serves as a catalyst for their financial freedom; instead of perpetually hunting for elusive jobs at a time when government at all levels are struggling to pay workers’ salaries.

    Addressing thousands of already seated beneficiaries and participants drawn from the 27 local government councils of Imo State, the facilitator and major sponsor of the Imo youth and women empowernment program, Rt. Hon. Ozurigbo Ugonna; immediate past member that represented Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal Constituency in the House of Represenatives, maintained that eventhough he is successful and blessed by God but he is always lonely at the top when his people are still struggling to survive the hard times.

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    According to him, the programe is designed to empower the participants with the vital skills needed to navigate through the agricultural value chain, sollar installation and filmmaking, so as to be economically empowered to be self reliant instead of waiting for handouts from their relatives.

    The empowernment program which goes beyond dashing participants biscuits and sweets, howbeit, has provision for seeds capital for start-ups after the participants have completed their trainings on palm oil processing, solar installation, poultry, fish farming, filmmaking; at the various designated centres; Orlu zone- UIPU, Owerri zone; The Place Event Centre , New Owerri, and Okigwe zone; Pego International Hotel.

    Both the beneficiaries and participants of the empowernment program have applauded Rt. Hon. Ozurigbo Ugonna (OZB) for his interventionist approach at a time when Imo people are economically stranded and looking for a direction, describing the Imo youth and women empowernment program as the much needed training to cushion the effects of unemployment and bitting economy, creating opportunities for self reliance and financial independence.

    Among the resource persons and industry experts engaged to take the beneficiaries and participants on the various modules of the skill based empowernment program included, Mr. Okezie C. I. -Director of Procurement at the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, Chief Edward Chukwuma, Agribusiness Consultant, Mr. FCC Jones Onwuasoanya, Film Director and Movie Producer, Mr. Kingsley Agharanya, and Mr. Ihemanma Nnamdi Silas.

    Meanwhile, the Publisher of 4th Estate Reporters, Njoku Macdonald Obinna, also commended Hon. Chizobam .O. Chizobam , Chief Onyema Agbarakwe, Barr. Uche Dike, Hon. Chief Euguene Ohamara, Mr. Dike Philip, and other organisers of the event for the massive attendance recorded during the program.

  • 120 youths graduate from internship programme

    120 youths graduate from internship programme

    EnterpriseNGR’s Youth of Enterprise (YOE) Internship Programme, an initiative dedicated to tackling Nigeria’s persistent challenge of youth unemployment and underemployment, celebrated the graduation of its third cohort on Thursday, 10th October 2024, marking a significant milestone for over 120 young interns across Nigeria. 

    These young people interned at reputable organisations like Coronation, Custodian, Investment One, Polaris Bank, Saroafrica International Ltd, PwC, Nigeria Exchange Group, Access Bank, among others. With the theme “Digital Dreams: Forging Successful Careers in a Connected World,” the event highlighted the critical role of digital skills and forward-thinking mindsets in the modern workforce.

    Moderated by SACO, renowned Master of Ceremony and Managing Director of Saco Events Limited, the ceremony featured insightful discussions, reflections on the YOE programme’s impact, and motivational words for the graduates.

    Read Also: Youths key to development, say Sanwo-Olu, Okogie, others

    In her opening remarks, Obi Ibekwe, CEO of EnterpriseNGR, commended the graduates for their dedication throughout the programme and encouraged them to embrace the lessons they have learned. “Your journey through YOE has equipped you with skills and knowledge that are essential in today’s ever-evolving landscape. Now, it’s time to apply them with courage and determination as you build your careers,” Ibekwe said.

    Delivering the keynote speech on “Thriving in the Digital Age: Skills and Mindsets for the Future,” Pai Gamde, Chief Talent Officer at Coronation Group, urged the interns to adopt a future-oriented approach. “The digital age is about agility, creativity, and continuous learning. As you move forward, embrace challenges and view them as opportunities to innovate and grow,” she advised, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing world.

    Joy Abara, Head of Programmes at EnterpriseNGR, echoed this sentiment as she encouraged the graduates to maintain the YOE spirit. “Continue to fly the YOE flag high in your future endeavors. The skills, network, and experiences you have gained here will serve as a foundation for your professional growth,” she remarked.

    Announcing the top three performing groups and the overall best intern in Cohort III of the YOE Programme, Ms. Abara commended the winners for their outstanding performance noting that each member of the top three teams and the overall best intern would be rewarded with cash gifts and certificates of merit.

    The graduation ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Zahra Yunusa, YOE Administrator, who praised the graduates and wished them continued success as they embark on their next chapters. 

    EnterpriseNGR remains committed to empowering young Nigerians through the YOE Internship Programme, equipping them with the tools needed to succeed in today’s dynamic job market.

  • Youths call for sustainable environmental practices

    Youths call for sustainable environmental practices

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Youths under the canopy of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye, have called for practices that make the environment safe for all.

    Acting Coordinator of NYCN, Zakariyah Okeyale, made the call during the cleaning of Olateju Street, Mushin as part of activities marking the World Clean-Up Day.

    Okeyale said: “As young leaders, we must innovate eco-friendly solutions to harmful environmental practices, reduce and recycle our wastes, engage in proper waste disposal and support safe environmental initiatives.”

    He said the exercise, “serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to preserve and maintain a clean, healthy environment and promote sustainable waste and resource management in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA.”

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    He added that the exercise showed how collective efforts can drive the needed change.

    “Today, we join millions worldwide in taking action. We demonstrate that individual efforts can collectively drive change. Let’s make our community a model for sustainability. Let’s show that every small action counts,” he said.

    Supervisor for Environment in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lateef Akinsemoyin, urged members of NYCN to continue in their service to humanity and ensuring safe and healthy environment.

    Akinsemoyin also called on the members of the community to desist from littering the environment, and adopt proper waste disposal.

    He added that the council is open to partnership with the NYCN for people-oriented initiatives.

  • ‘Why we empowered youths in memory of our late mum

    ‘Why we empowered youths in memory of our late mum

    Alhaja Aminat Abiola Mosaku is of the Lagos Island royalty, daughter of the late Onimole of Lagos, Chief Kayode Adeshina Onimole. Last week, she gave out free soap-making training to 100 Lagos Islanders. She explains why to Gboyega Alaka.

    WHAT is the reason for this gathering?

    It’s exactly one year since my mum, Olori Chief Mrs. Matilda Kehinde Onimole passed on, and this is to commemorate the day. My dad passed eleven years back and after his passing, we instituted a foundation in his name and we hold programmes at least four times in a year. We call it the Chief Kayode Adeshina Onimole Foundation. So the foundation in collaboration with my own company, Bcube Bubbles, decided to organise this empowerment for Lagosians in her memory and to mark the day. BCube Bubbles, by the way, is into cleaning; we produce all kinds of cleaning products, from liquid soaps tile washes, carwash agents, kitchen agents, various cleaning agents.

    What exactly are you giving out?

    It just occurred to me to empower people on how to make these cleaning agents free. Even I never knew I would be going into this; I had gone for a mosque programme, where we were taught how to make soaps, liquid soaps. I picked up some skills, and shortly after, we had a family party, where my dad’s elder sister was celebrating her 90th birthday; instinctively, I decided to put the skills into practice; produced some soaps, bottled them well, came up with a label and distributed them to guests as souvenirs. Almost immediately, I started getting orders; people were requesting that I made for them; and they were making swift payments. That was how I found myself in the business. I then took the decision to go for further training to learn all other related skills. At the end of today’s programme, I’d be bottling the things we produce and giving them out to the participants.

    So this is a way of empowering the people with skills so that they can pick it up from there and begin to make money for themselves?

    Exactly, we want to give them new skills which they can now leverage on as a means of livelihood. If you look over there, you would see my various products, so anybody who picks genuine interest can take the cue and pick up from there. I know some people with whom I had the training back then, who now run their big organisations, supplying big supermarkets and stores. Mine is still at this level because I’m not doing it fulltime.

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    How did you select the participants?

    I don’t stay on Lagos Island, so I got in touch with my sister’s pastor; he’s a youth pastor, to help me send words out. It was he, along with my siblings, who gathered the people. We have participants from as far as Campos Square, Adeniji Adele, Balogun and of course Isale Eko. Here where the training is holding is my parents home, our family house.  We actually gave out 100 access cards, so we’re looking forward to 100 persons.

    Is this a one-day programme?

    Yes it is a one-day programme. You may be wondering if they can learn enough in one day; but I have a handout prepared for them to take away as guidance. That is also why we have requested for their WhatsApp numbers, so that we can send the pdf document prescribing all they need to know, measurements, how to mix set by set, because that was how I was taught too. Those that don’t have android phones/smart phones, we have the manual. I have about 15 products in that manual, although we can only treat a few today.

    Are the raw material products accessible?

    Yes they are. And they’re relatively affordable. The most expensive one there is the sulphuric acid; but when you want to produce, you start from smaller quantity. At least to produce a 25-litre liquid soap, you only need about 7,500 naira at the current market rate. Meanwhile five litres of the same soap is sold for at least 3,000 naira in the open market. So with 7,500, you can make 15k. The profit is always double your investment. So it is lucrative, everybody uses soap.

    And if they need additional training after this?

    Then they’ll have to pay. There are about 50products that I can teach them.

  • Youths seek exemplary leadership to reduce hardship

    Youths seek exemplary leadership to reduce hardship

    Some youths have urged political leaders in the country to offer exemplary leadership to reduce anger and hunger across the nation.

    The youths, led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Aprilcentaur Network, Abuah Martins, said there is frustration in the country because of leadership issue and unfulfilled dreams.

    Speaking in Ibadan at a media chat as part of preparations for the launch of an anthology entitled: “All the colours of madness” co-authored by Yusuf Eslah Sibraim, Miss Odion-Osigwe Emike, Miss George Vanessa, Oreoluwa Asala, Oyinda Depo Oyedokun and Ekpenisi Nwajesu, the Publisher, Emotion Press, Folarin Olaniyi admitted that though many youths engage in social vices but several have proved their mettle in the area of technology.

    He clarified that even though theme of the book was “anger”, it was not an incitement against the authorities but a reawakening call to Nigerian leaders to initiate good policies that would bring succour to millions of suffering youths

    He said: “I think the political landscape of Nigeria can be set to be egalitarian in the sense that the older generation keep putting themselves in the system. The youths are doing well in technology and other sectors of the economy. That is why I personally chose the publishing job because of my interest in education. I have different opinions of how we can express our anger and that makes our writing.”

    One of the writers, Vanessa George, said: ” Sometimes anger may be from disappointment after praying, hoping and everything comes down crashing before your eyes, disappointment and anger can stem from there particularly as Nigerians we are faced with so many disappointments and call it different name like frustration.”

    Odion-Osigwe Emike said: “I particularly love this project because it was a conversation that I don’t know that so many people will have opinions on, everybody makes us angry from government, to our parents, lack of jobs, and so many others.

    “It seems like generational anger with no solution, so when they told us that we should write around it ,I started thinking about how anger was being forced on us. 

    “It is a normal thing we do everyday, that just allowing us to be angry, there is no harm in being angry, but when anger is not expressed, it has effect on not just your life but in your community. It will lead to bad government and toxic practice, during our last protest, some people were not angry enough.

    “Looking at the leaders in power, I don’t have any hope in this country but for the leaders that will potentially rise up, I have hope in them.”

  • Youths are still targets of extortion

    Youths are still targets of extortion

    • By Pius Okaneme

    Sir: The youths in Nigeria are targets of extortion by the army and the police. The checkpoints mounted along various roads have become stops to intimidate young people into surrendering their money. The army and the police will look into transport vehicles at the road blocks and point to decent looking young boys and ask them to come out. They will ask them to disembark from the vehicle with their backpacks. They will point them to walk to a corner in the case of the police, and the army will walk them into their vehicle.

    Recently, on my trip through Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, the vehicle I was traveling in stopped at the army checkpoint. The driver demanded that all passengers follow the routine of coming out of the vehicle at the beginning of the checkpoint and walk beyond the cordoned area. Most passengers take the inconvenience of this activity in stride as they see it as a chance to stretch their legs. Hawkers surround the area to appeal to the tired and hungry passengers to patronize their merchandise.

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    We all converged at the other end of the checkpoint waiting for the driver to come through. The bus pulled over and most passengers started to go in to take their seat only for the driver to come out and walk toward the back of the vehicle. It was evident that he was not going there to ease himself. Some passengers were getting impatient. A lady then said, “Were you not aware that the soldier asked the young passenger to come out of the bus?”

    Everybody waited for about 30 minutes until the passenger returned. He said that the soldier took him into their vehicle and asked him to give them his phone. When he asked them why they were detaining him, the soldier told him that he looked like a “Yahoo boy”. That he looked so well dressed. He mildly responded to them that it is now a crime for a young person to dress well. They told him that if he did not want to spend the whole day with them, he should give them #5,000.00. He complied because he was afraid that they would harm him.

    Nigerian roads are now tollbooths for the army and the police. They openly collect bribes without shame. The level of decadence in law enforcement on the roads is killing the spirit of society. With due respect to the risks associated with their work, the behaviour of some of the personnel officers their authority. They must restore dignity to law enforcement so that the citizens will value them and not look at them as robbers attacking the youths at gunpoint.

    •Pius Okaneme,

    Umuoji, Anambra State.

  • Foundation trains 390 Rivers youths on conflict resolution without violence

    Foundation trains 390 Rivers youths on conflict resolution without violence

    The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) in partnership with the European Union (EU) have trained 390 youths from different parts of Rivers State on a non-violent approach to resolving conflicts.

    Speaking during the two-day training held in Port Harcourt, the state capital, the Peacebuilding Programme Manager at the PIND foundation, David Udofia, said the workshop was crucial for youths to understand how to resolve issues without resorting to violence.

    He said the training was organised to enhance the capacity of the participants to change their mindsets and manage disagreement and misunderstanding peacefully.

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    He said: “We want youths to have a deeper view and understanding of how they can address issues of concerns without necessarily adopting the violent approach.

    “In other words, we are trying to enhance the capacity of our youths to change their mindsets for them to see the need to manage misunderstanding which is conflict, disagreement without necessarily resorting to violence.

  • ‘Lagos, firm to empower youths’

    ‘Lagos, firm to empower youths’

    Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, has assured citizens of the readiness of the government to empower youths, to invigorate the economy in digital era.

    He spoke at a media briefing organised by the ministry at Alausa, Ikeja.

    Ajigbotafe said facilitators of the

    four-month specialised ICT training

    would be experts, bringing real world experience and insights into the classroom.

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    He said the initiative, which was a collaborative effort between the ministry and a consulting firm, would engage participants across the five divisions of Lagos State in hands-on projects, workshops and networking opportunities that would enhance their learning experience and prepare them for success in the job market.

    The commissioner said residents within ages 18 and 35 with Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) card could key into the programme, adding that participants would be given stipends as well as undergo four months internship after the training, among other incentives.