The Alliance for Youth Nigeria is celebrating 4 years of influence, marking the transformation of over 25,000 younger Nigerians who are actually gainfully employed by abilities improvement, entrepreneurship help, and different employment alternatives.
Founded by Nestlé Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Big Bottling Company, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, and U-Connect HR Limited, the Alliance is supported by key stakeholders together with the Federal Ministry of Youth, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and Activate Success International. Together, they share a daring imaginative and prescient: equipping 250,000 younger Nigerians with important employability and entrepreneurial abilities by 2030.
This yr, 585 younger individuals participated within the Alliance’s flagship Vocational Skills Training program in Jos, gaining sensible abilities in magnificence care, video enhancing, photo voltaic panel set up, and net design. High performers throughout the varied ability tracks obtained start-up kits and seed capital, enabling them to right away put their new abilities into observe. Participants additionally showcased their capabilities in real-time initiatives, demonstrating the direct, tangible advantages of the coaching.
Highlighting the non-public sector’s dedication to youth empowerment, Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resource Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, mentioned, “As a proud member of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, Nestlé Nigeria is committed to the shared vision of empowering young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together with other like-minded partners, we are creating pathways to employment, building careers, and nurturing the next generation of leaders who will shape a better future for our nation.”
Representing the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, Stephanie Iwunze, talking on behalf of CEO/ED Naomi Nwokolo, emphasised the worldwide dimension of the problem, “The youth constitute a vital segment of Nigeria’s predominantly young population. Now more than ever, it is imperative to invest in this generation, especially as rapid technological advancements reshape the global landscape. Without deliberate and focused action, Nigeria risks falling further behind, widening the gap in keeping pace with global progress.”
From the federal government’s perspective, Mrs. Deborah Simon Pitmang, Zonal Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Youth, applauded the initiative and referred to as for sustained collaboration:
“Any alliance that focuses on developing young people’s skills is not only building individuals, but also building the nation. Youth make up a vital segment of Nigeria’s population, and the urgent need to invest in their skills cannot be overstated, especially in the face of rapid technological advancements. Without deliberate action, Nigeria risks widening the gap in keeping pace with global progress. The truth remains: the higher the skills, the higher the gains. We commend the Alliance for Youth Nigeria for sustaining its efforts and keeping pace for the future generations through skills development.”
Adding the attitude of employability consultants, Olamide Adeyeye, Country Head of Programmes, Jobberman Nigeria, strengthened the necessity for focused youth improvement:
“With over 70% of our population being youth, we know that there can be no socioeconomic transformation in Nigeria without the meaningful development of young people. This is why, Jobberman, as a member of the alliance are supporting millions to be upskilled and supported to transition into meaningful work.”
Since its inception, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria has reached over 25,000 younger individuals nationwide by vocational coaching, entrepreneurship help, and employability applications, with each participant securing employment or efficiently launching a enterprise.
Looking forward, the Alliance stays dedicated to deepening its influence by increasing coaching alternatives, fostering stronger public-private partnerships, and innovating applications that reply to the fast-changing realities of the Nigerian job market.
