Alliance for Youth Nigeria Equips Thousands of Young Nigerians with Vital Skills Amid Rising Unemployment
Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate surged to 8.6% in Q3 2023, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, marking a 1.4% increase from the previous quarter. In response to this growing crisis, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria has intensified its efforts to equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to secure sustainable employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Launched in August 2021, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria is a collaborative movement of organizations committed to bridging the skills gap among Nigerian youth. The Alliance includes prominent organizations such as Nestlé Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, and the Big Bottling Company, with support from the Federal Ministry of Youth, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and Activate Success International. Together, they aim to reach 250,000 young Nigerians, providing them with critical employability and entrepreneurial skills.
A key component of the Alliance’s strategy is its Vocational Skills Training program, developed in collaboration with the Whitefield Foundation. This initiative offers training in four crucial skill areas: solar panel installation, graphic design, CCTV and cable installation, and beauty care, including makeup and massage therapy.
Among the success stories is Mustapha Fasasi, a 34-year-old from Oyo State who transformed his interest in solar and renewable energy into a viable business, thanks to the skills acquired through the Alliance’s training program.
This year’s International Youth Day saw the graduation of 372 participants from the vocational training program held at St. John Anglican College in Abeokuta. Graduates were encouraged to apply their newly acquired skills to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. High-performing participants received start-up kits and capital to help launch their businesses, including laptops for graphic designers and complete toolboxes for solar installation specialists.
Since its inception, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria has provided vocational training, employability, and soft skills enhancement to over 35,499 young Nigerians. This aligns with their broader goal of empowering 250,000 youth across the country. The initiative is supported by the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, whose COO, Tumi Onamade, emphasized the importance of investing in youth for the country’s future prosperity.
Nestlé Nigeria’s Country Human Resources Manager, Shakiru Lawal, highlighted the company’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that these initiatives are crucial for shaping Nigeria’s future.
Beyond vocational training, Nestlé’s broader youth engagement platform, Nestlé Needs YOUth, aims to prepare young people for a digital-driven future. This initiative focuses on employment, skills development, support, and creating new opportunities, reaching an average of 25,000 youths annually.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with rising youth unemployment, initiatives like the Alliance for Youth Nigeria are proving vital in equipping the next generation with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
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