As the world marks International Youth Day, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria has announced the conclusion of a vocational skills training program reaching over 350 young Nigerians in Lagos and Kano States.
The training covered four skillsets – Solar panel installation, Graphics Design (Designs, social media, and web design), CCTV and Cable installation, and Beauty Care (make-up, aromatherapy, and massage), which were delivered in collaboration with Whitefield Foundation.
High flyers of the vocational skills training and recipients of start-up kits from the Alliance.
The vocational skills training is one of the projects of the Alliance designed in accordance with the Alliance’s objective of reaching 250,000 young Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurial skills to enable them to secure gainful employment or set up businesses of their own within 3 years. This objective, which was announced during the launch of the Alliance, is in line with their commitment to work together to address the challenges of youth unemployment in the country with the associated social and economic impact.
Launched in August 2021, the Alliance is a business-driven movement of organizations passionate about working together to help young people around the country acquire the necessary skills to thrive in the world of work or create their own enterprise. Members of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria include Nestlé Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Big Bottling Company, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, U-Connect HR Limited, and Sterling One Foundation with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and Activate Success International as partner organizations.
Since its inception, the Alliance has reached over 11,000 young Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurial training, internship and mentoring opportunities, and job placements. Projects delivered include:
• Soft skills training, covering personal effectiveness and time management, effective communication, business etiquette, employability skills, and emotional intelligence, for NYSC and fresh graduates in November 2021 reaching 590.
• Soft and employability skills training, covering critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and idea generation, developing the right mindset for the world of work, effective communication, etc, in May and June 2022 reaching over 9,600 NYSC members in Lagos, Kano, Ogun, and FCT orientation camps.
• Employability training for fresh graduates in April and June 2022, covering career positioning, personal brand marketing, building winning resumes, developing interpersonal skills, developing an entrepreneurial mindset, etc, and reaching over 610
• Vocational skills training, covering solar panel installation, graphics design (designs, social media, and web design), CCTV and Cable installation, and Beauty Care (make-up, aromatherapy, and massage), in Lagos and Kano states in August 2022 reaching over 350
Left-Right: Ahmed Alaga, Program Manager, Jobberman Nigeria; Lanre Coleman, General Manager, U-Connect HR Limited; Tumi Onamade, Senior Manager, Participant Engagement & Programs, United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria; Shakiru Lawal, Country HR Manager, Nestlé Nigeria PLC, and ‘Goke Olaleye, Marketing Manager, Big Bottling Company Limited.
The member and partner organizations have positioned themselves to invest in joint and individual projects to give young Nigerians meaningful work experience, internships, readiness-for-work training, and mentoring opportunities and are committed to contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 – to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all by 2030.
Celebrating International Youth Day and first-year anniversary of the Alliance, high-flyers of the vocational skills training were gifted start-up kits to ensure the immediate take-off of their businesses. High-flyers from the graphics design training were provided laptops, and those from the Beauty, massage, and aromatherapy training were provided make-up tool kits and massage beds while high-flyers from the installation training were awarded complete toolboxes for their vocation.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Shakiru Lawal, Country HR Manager, Nestlé Nigeria PLC said, “Youth is the future of our world and Nestlé is determined and committed to working with stakeholders and likeminded organizations to help young people develop their skills so they can find jobs or create their own businesses.”
“We are delighted with the progress we have made as an Alliance in the past year, reaching 11,000 youth. Yes, we are still a long way from our target, but we have built the framework and alliances that will help us deliver on our objectives. The provision of start-up kits to young people who excelled in the vocational skills training is a significant step in the right direction”.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Lanre Coleman, General Manager, U-Connect Human Resources Limited said, “Youths are the future of the nation. Every investment towards their employability, engagement and empowerment is very critical for the society’s good and sustainable progress”.
According to Innih Ikhide, Youth Engagement and Learning Manager Jobberman Nigeria, “Youth in every society have the potential to stimulate economic growth, social progress, and national development. The Alliance for Youth Nigeria is providing an ecosystem of learning where young Nigerians can upskill by acquiring 21st-century skills that will increase their chances of getting employed or becoming self-employed. The testimonials from beneficiaries will continue to motivate us to do more”.
For Naomi Nwokolo, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, “Our one-year anniversary is proof that advancing decent work for youth requires unprecedented levels of collaboration between key partners. The Alliance serves as a catalyst for reducing unemployment and promoting youth independence in order to increase labour and economic productivity in Nigeria. We urge stakeholders to take collective action in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, 8, and 9.”
In his comments, ‘Goke Olaleye, Marketing Manager, The Big Bottling Company Limited, said, “Investment in young people supports the economic empowerment of the nation and world at large. The Big Bottling Company Limited, while congratulating Nigerian youths remains committed to supporting their aspirations for growth”.
In a statement on behalf of the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, the Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister, Oluwakemi Areola, said, “In the next 10 years, jobs would have evolved from the traditional model we are familiar with now. It is imperative that Nigerian youth equip and upskill themselves with the necessary skills (digital and vocational) to give them an added advantage and keep them better positioned for the continuous benefit of decent work. The Ministry commends the effort and investment of the Alliance in promoting economic opportunities for young Nigerians”.
On behalf of other participants, Oluwakemi Olatunfe, who participated in the training in the Beauty category, commended the Alliance member companies for providing the unique opportunity for the training and upskilling of young Nigerians. Particularly delighted at the start-up kit awarded to her by the Alliance, she promised to fully utilize the training and the kit to start up her business, thereby adding value to herself and her family.
The International Youth Day is celebrated annually on 12 August to bring youth issues to the attention of the international and national communities, raising awareness of major concerns that impact young people, particularly as related to health, education, and employment while celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.
With over 13.9 million youths unemployed and millions in unstable employment and underemployed in Nigeria, young people need the right skills and experience to help them in a rapidly changing economic landscape and the Alliance for Youth Nigeria is committed to continued investment in young people for a better future.
A front-line Nigerian events and communications company, PRIMAA Productions and Promotions, has announced a 3-day unlimited and exciting fun-packed “Nigeria Independence Fiesta” in celebration of the nation’s 63rd independence anniversary.
The event has been scheduled to be held at the prestigious Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja from Saturday, September 30 to Monday, October 2, 2023.
Speaking about the event tagged “Green and White Party,” the organisers led by Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare of Primaa Productions and Promotions, said the “event is designed for Nigerians to commemorate the 63rd anniversary and share a special day with families and friends in a very moderate but exquisite manner.
On her part, the General Manager, Lagos Airport Hotel, Mrs. Folashade A. Awe (FCA ) said; the “events are also aimed at providing a platform for an exciting get-together for associates, colleagues, families and friends on the national day is going to be fun parked days of celebration at the exclusive pool side of the prestigious Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The events are packaged to deliver an outdoor unforgettable and exciting social event in celebration of Nigerians’ uniqueness.”
“The 3-day event which is to be celebrated with Nigerian contemporary music and dance will have a good number of Nigerian musicians and comedians thrilling and entertaining their fans in spectacular ways. The artists include Don P, Kenny J, Hismusic, Young Lop, ACENUNKY, LYRIKA, Helix, Oluwafrozy, Macqelin, Omalicha(BlazeG), Emoh Grand and many more.
MC MACAVALI and MC 525, with the reputable DJ AK, are going to be the DJs for the 3 days of unlimited fun of music, dance, comedy, swimming competitions, games, and many more.”
The event is supported by Fresh FM, Goldmyne TV, Landmark Media Limited, LASAA and exclusively packaged by 3P and Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja. It promises to be an exciting weekend with gate opening between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm daily and evening events from 7:00 pm till fade.
Interestingly aside from the entertainment galore and side attractions, the Gate Pass also comes with specific benefits. While a child with N2,000 will have free drinks and an adult with N3,000 will be entitled to free drinks, a couple paying N5,000 gate pass will also get free drinks, and a family of four will get N10,000 and will get free drinks.
Every ticket also attracts a 20% discount on Airport Hotel rooms. Your ticket can also win you a weekend getaway at Lagos Airport Hotel. (With Terms and conditions) The dress code for every attendee is a touch of Green and White.
For Sponsorship and Support, please call: +2348138661114 or +2348033077759.
As the world marks the International Day of Universal Access to Information, Lagos State on Thursday joined other 35 cities selected by the Jimmy Carter Foundation to launch the ‘Lagos City’s Inform Women, Transform Lives’ campaign, to make a difference in the lives of women in Lagos State.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Center, Alausa, Ikeja to launch the initiative, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the campaign is targeted at lifting the plight of several women in the society, especially at the grassroots in line with the THEMES+ agenda of his administration, which includes Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth Development
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the aim of the campaign is to also provide a platform for women to seek and receive information from all tiers of governments irrespective of their status, tribe, and religion.
The Governor said the City of Lagos Inform Women, Transform Lives Campaign” themed: “Gender Equality and Inclusivity” would raise awareness on where and how women can easily get information about city services that would benefit them as his administration had upgraded its developmental agenda from THEMES to THEMES+.
“Two months ago, Lagos State participated in the Carter Centre competition with other 300 Cities across the globe and was among the few that got selected for the “Inform Women, Transform Lives” programme. The driving force behind our success at the competition was made possible through contributions by the Ministries of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Information and Strategy Youths and Social Development, Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment as well as Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters.
“It is my absolute delight to highlight the fact that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu upgraded the agenda of his first administration’s development agenda from THEMES agenda to THEMES PLUS. The PLUS represents social inclusion, gender equality, and youth engagement,” Salu-Hundeyin said.
Speaking earlier, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who was accompanied by his Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment counterpart, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, and other state officials and stakeholders, said the inclusive campaign would be focused on information dissemination particularly to women and girls in order to transform their lives positively.
The Carter Center is a non-governmental organization helping to improve the lives of people in more than 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy and human rights; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care.
The Carter Centre was founded in 1982 by Mr. Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, and his wife, Mrs. Rosalyn Carter.
The Foundation is committed to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering.
Among the cities participating in the campaign include Atlanta, Georgia; Amman, Jordan; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cape Town, South Africa; Chicago, Illinois; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Dhaka North, Bangladesh; Dublin, Ireland and Guatemala City among others. They are also launching their campaigns simultaneously today in line with Carter Centre’s directive.”
…caution youths against being used as political thugs
From Bassey Williams, Yenagoa
The Coordinator of Niger Delta frontiers and former State chairman of the defunct United Democratic Party (UDP) Chief/Come. Angadia E. Eminent has chided the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri over the neglect of Ogbotobo Community in Egboma clan of Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State in the areas of development and lopsided appointments of indigenes into the positions of trust by the Prosperity administration of Senator Douye Diri in spite of their contributions and roles towards the miraculous emergence of Senator Diri as the governor of Bayelsa State.
Chief Eminent who stated this while interacting with newsmen in Yenagoa said Ogbotobo Federated Community of Egboma clan is an oil-rich community but has been neglected by both oil companies especially the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the government of the day, stating that the result of the negligence affected the aged who should be taken care of by the government as claimed by the Miracle government are the ones feigning for themselves adding that the ten thousand naira monthly stipends of the prosperity administration for the elderly is not enough to cater for the needs of elderly.
Chief/Come. Angadia E. Eminent, Coordinator of Niger Delta frontiers and a former State chairman of the defunct United Democratic Party (UDP).
On the State of the gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State come November 11, Mr. Eminent advised the youths against being used by the politicians who will dump them immediately after being sworn into office, he equally impores the politicians to play the rules of the game as nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of anybody while calling on electorates not to sale their conscience by being induced financially inorder to make wrong choices.
Speaking further on the activities of the Niger Delta Frontiers the coordinator said the organisation is out to change the narrative of youth of the Niger Delta region from restiveness to skills acquisition dialoguing the group which is not influenced by political gladiators has mobilizers across the nine states of the Niger Delta region with coordinators at the grassroots who monitor activities and report same central.
Decriding the state of underdevelopment IP Ogbotobo community, the activist blamed the government for not being able to settle the crisis that rocked the community for over nine years not until he became the Community Development Chairman (CDC) that he brought peace to the community.
He described the acclaimed feat in educational and health sectors by the Prosperity government as lip services as pupils and students in both primary and secondary schools are sitting on the floors and under shady trees to learn with inadequate staff strength.
He advised the governor Diri led Prosperity administration to carry all the communities in Bayelsa state along irrespective of clan, religious, and party affiliations.