The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to launch and implement a comprehensive range of targeted youth employment programmes to tackle unemployment in the country.
The Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim made this known during the commemoration of the 2024 World Youth Skills ‘Day with the Theme: “Youth Skills For Peace & Development.” The annual event which was organised by the Ministry took place at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
In her keynote address, Jamila disclosed that the Ministry has put in place programmes that are specifically designed to address the pressing issue of unemployment and as well bridge the significant employment gap among our rapidly growing youth population. She informed that these programmes will also provide meaningful opportunities for young people to enter the workforce and contribute to the nation’s economy.
Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the issue of escalating youth unemployment and underscored the proactive approach adopted by the Ministry to address it.
“As a part of its core mandate, the Ministry recently orchestrated an extensive and meticulously planned capacity building programmes specifically tailored to the fashion design and tailoring business sectors. This multifaceted initiative also involved the establishment and furnishing of a cutting-edge tailoring hub located within the premises of the National Youth Development Centre in Odeomu, Osun State.”
“The hub boasts a comprehensive array of modern fashion and tailoring machinery, providing a conducive environment for aspiring young entrepreneurs to acquire and hone their skills in the domains of fashion design and associated enterprises. The Ministry is dedicated to offering a platform for interested youth to access the center and take advantage of the invaluable opportunities for skill development and empowerment it presents,” she explained.
She observed that millions of young people around the world are unemployed and not involved in any meaningful and sustainable work.She also noted that majority of these individuals live in developing countries, where they are underemployed and are continually exposed to low-quality jobs, greater labour market inequality .
“The 2024 World Skills Day is expected to create synergy among all key players in youth development. I believe that the programme will successfully increase enthusiasm for skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. It will challenge everyone to create a commendable platform to launch a new project on skill acquisition and development that aligns with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’,” she stated.
In his address, Mr. Olawande Ayodele, Minister of State for Youth Development, underscored government’s resolute to equip the youth with vital skills for enhanced employability.
Olawande who emphasised the importance of job fairs observed that Nigeria has had trade fairs over the years said that it was time to have job fairs to promote skill acquisition.
Olawande declared that in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, he is determined to ensure that seven million Nigerian Youths acquire at least two skills each within the next two years.
Earlier, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry extended a gracious welcome to dignitaries and all invited guests from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, youth leaders and all stakeholders devoted to youth development and empowerment.
He stressed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing skills acquisition, nurturing peace and propelling socio-economic growth throughout Nigeria.
The Guest speaker, Engineer Kashim Ali, a fellow of the Nigerian society of Engineers who also advocated for Youth skills challenged members of the public to engage in skill acquisitions regardless of age or qualifications. He encouraged adults to learn skills that were suitable for them, adding it is never too late to learn.
In his own address, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Youth, Adeyemi Adaramodu described the skill development initiative as a positive development by the Ministry.
Adaramodu assured the Ministry that he was ready to legislate on any measure that would enhance the lives of Nigerian youths.
Omolara Esan
D (Press & PR)
