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IYD: Alliance Trains 1331 Youths in Vocational, Technical Skills
In response to the growing challenge of Nigeria’s youth unemployment, a group, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, has taken up the initiative to bridge the gap by developing innovative solutions that create sustainable earning opportunities for young people across the country. This is in offering vocational and technical training for the young ones, an effort that has produced about 1331 graduates since inception, according to a statement by the management of Nestlé.
This year’s exercise alone produced 372 trained youths, which swell the numbers of trainees so far produced.
It’s worthy of note that according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate among individuals aged 15-24 rose to 8.6% in Q3 2023, reflecting an increase of 1.4% from Q2 2023.
Launched in August 2021, the Alliance for Youth is a business-driven movement comprising organizations dedicated to empowering young Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in today’s job market or create their own businesses.
The Alliance includes organizations such as Nestlé Nigeria, a founding member, Jobberman Nigeria, Big Bottling Company, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, and U-Connect HR Limited. They are supported by the Federal Ministry of Youth, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and Activate Success International, with the aim to reach 250,000 young Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurial skills.
The Vocational Skills Training, delivered in collaboration with the Whitefield Foundation, is a flagship initiative designed to help achieve this objective. The training covers four key skill areas: solar panel installation, graphic design (including social media and web design), CCTV and cable installation, and beauty care, including makeup, aromatherapy, and massage.
A standout success story from the 2023 cohort is that of Mustapha Fasasi, a 34-year-old from Oyo State in South-West Nigeria. Mustapha had always been interested in solar and renewable energy but lacked the skills to pursue a career in this field. The Alliance for Youth’s upskilling program came at just the right time for him. After hearing about the opportunity on a radio program, Mustapha eagerly signed up for the training. Today, he is on his way to building a successful business in solar energy, equipped with the knowledge and skills he needs to support himself and his family.
This year, the vocational training in commemoration of International Youth Day 2024 culminated in the graduation of 372 participants at St John Anglican College, Kuto Abeokuta. Alliance for Youth Nigeria members encouraged the graduates to pursue their dreams, utilizing their acquired skills. Highflyers from each vocational skill set were rewarded with start-up kits and capital to facilitate the immediate launch of their businesses. Graduates from the graphic design training received laptops; those from the beauty, massage, and aromatherapy training received makeup tool kits and massage beds; high-flyers from the solar installation class were also awarded complete toolboxes.
Beneficiaries from each skill set also had the chance to demonstrate what they learned through real-time practical projects, showing the tangible impact the training had on their lives.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria initiatives, Tumi Onamade, Chief Operating Officer of the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, stated, “As we celebrate International Youth Day and the 3rd Anniversary of the Alliance for Youth, we are reminded of the immense potential within our young people to drive transformative change. The dedication, creativity, and resilience they have shown, especially those who traveled from various states to participate in the vocational skills training held in Ogun State, highlight their commitment to personal growth and community development. These young individuals are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today, shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future with their innovative ideas and bold actions.”
“At the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, we are committed to supporting the Alliance and our youth by providing them with the skills to realize their potential. By investing in their education, skills development, and leadership, we empower them to create a future where everyone can thrive.”
Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resources Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, also emphasized the significance of these efforts: “Investing in today’s youth is crucial because the actions we take now will shape our nation’s future prosperity. At Nestlé, we understand that the well-being of our communities depends on the opportunities we create for the next generation. This is why we are committed to working with like-minded organizations to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills necessary to secure meaningful employment or start their own businesses. The 372 beneficiaries of this year’s training have now joined the 805 youth we have previously trained in technical and vocational skills.”
Since 2021, Alliance for Youth Nigeria has collaborated with federal platforms such as NYSC, career fairs, and mutual goal-oriented organizations to provide 35,499 youth with vocational training, employability, and soft skill enhancements. This effort aligns with the organization’s objective to empower 250,000 young people.
Other representatives from the Alliance for Youth Initiative present at the event were Adewole Adesete, HR Manager Nestlé Nigeria; Toritseju Egbebi, Corporate Affairs Manager Nestlé Nigeria; Funmi Johnson, COO of Whitefield Foundation; Oladoyin Kolawole, Senior Strategy Consultant; Atom Lim, Activate Success International and Edidiong Peters, Regulatory Affairs Manager for Nestlé Nigeria.
Beyond the Alliance for Youth, Nestlé’s commitment to empowering young people extends to its broader youth engagement platform, Nestlé Needs YOUth. Launched in 2013, this initiative helps young people access economic opportunities through four key pillars: employment, skills development, support, and creating more opportunities. Through these programs, Nestlé reaches an average of 25,000 youths annually, making a difference in their lives and the future of Nigeria.
International Youth Day, celebrated annually on August 12, aims to bring youth issues to the forefront of international and national communities. It raises awareness of significant health, education, and employment concerns impacting young people. This year’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” highlights digital technology’s critical role in advancing sustainable development goals.
Nestlé Nigeria and the other corporate members of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria remain committed to ensuring that young people are prepared for today’s challenges and equipped to lead with innovative solutions in the digital-driven future.
The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, has resigned his appointment.
The resignation of the HoS, who served under the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was contained in a statement issued by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator and obtained by newsmen on Tuesday morning.
The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), thanked Nwaeke for his service to him within the short period since he assumed office and wished him well in his future endeavours.
The statement reads, “The office of His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (retd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, is saddened to announce the resignation of the Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke, FCA, Mni.
“His Excellency, the Administrator appreciates the immense contributions he has shown this administration in the short period he served and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”
Meanwhile, Ibas has appointed Prof. Ibibi Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government.
Worika’s appointment was also contained in a statement from the office of the Sole Administrator also obtained on Tuesday morning.
The statement reads, “His Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) CFR, the Administrator of Rivers State, is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG).
“His appointment follows careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during rigorous selection process.
“Professor Worika’s distinguished career spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, making him uniquely qualified to support the administrator in the onerous task of achieving Mr President’s mandate. His appointment takes immediate effect.
“Professor Worika’s appointment reflects the administrator’s commitment to harnessing the great human capital of the Rivers’ people to work with him to achieve the much-needed peace, stability and security.”
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Yes, We Collected $5000, But for Sallah, Not Bribe to Support Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration – Reps Member
The Chairman, House of Reps Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has denied that the $5,000 given to each member of the House were bribes to secure support for President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State.
Investigative journalist, Jaafar Jaafar, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Betara reached out to clarify that the $5,000 given to lawmakers was merely a “Sallah Gesture” and not an inducement.
According to the journalist, Betara said it is part of a long-standing tradition, adding that has nothing to do with the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
“The chairman of the House Committee on FCT, Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has clarified to me that he only shared $5,000 to each member of his committee as a ‘Sallah Gesture’ not an inducement to support emergency rule in Rivers State. According to him, he maintains the tradition – like Santa Claus – every year. As we say in Hausa, not thigh but hind leg,” Jaafar posted.
However, this explanation corroborates previous media reports, which claimed that substantial sums were handed out at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s Guest House in Maitama, Abuja, to sway lawmakers in favour of the emergency rule.
President Tinubu, last week, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability and security threats, including recent oil pipeline vandalism.
However, the revelations of cash-for-support allegations raise serious questions about the move’s legitimacy and the extent of the political manoeuvring behind it.
There is palpable tension in the ancient city of Kano following a parallel Sallah Durbar festival scheduled by the 15th Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and the 16th Emir, Khalifa Mohammadu Sanusi II.
The prolonged emirate tussle in the city is taking another tough dimension amidst a legal battle, as both contenders have mapped out separate lines of events with the full backing of the Federal and State governments.
In a letter signed by Bayero’s Private Secretary, Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, addressed to the Commissioner of Police, the 15th Emir has notified the authorities of the plan and arrangements to conduct the traditional festival, including Hauwa Nasarawa and Daushe, to commemorate the end of Ramadan.
According to the schedule, Bayero’s festivities will feature Hawan Sallah, Hawan Daushe, and Hawan Nassarawa on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days of Shawwal 1446 AH, followed by a cultural event on the 4th day.
Kwaru noted that this year’s celebrations mark a significant milestone, coinciding with the Emir’s fifth anniversary on the throne of his forefathers.
“The purpose of this letter is to formally notify the security agencies in Kano State, particularly the Police Force, that this year’s Sallah events coincide with the five (5) years anniversary of His Highness on the throne of his forefathers, with the assurance that all activities will be conducted peacefully,” the letter read.
He expressed hopes for a peaceful celebration and prayed for protection, good health, and harmony in society, adding that the Emir’s office sought the cooperation of security agencies to ensure a peaceful and successful celebration.
Incidentally, Bayero’s notice of the event emerged on social media. Soon after, the Kano State Government directed the four recognized emirates, under the leadership of Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, to commence full preparation for the Durbar festival.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf gave the directive while hosting the first and second-class emirs to a special Ramadan Iftar at the Government House, insisting that residents would not be denied the opportunity to relish the colorful traditional activities at the end of Ramadan.
The Kano Sallah Durbar festival is a famous tourist attraction that gathers visitors from within and outside Nigeria to witness the heritage of Hausa/Fulani culture at the Emir’s palace.
The Durbar features a colorful horse ride by the Emir, accompanied by district heads, traditional titleholders, and hundreds of their subjects, where they display ancient shows of strength and warrior traditions.
Besides the horse rides, the Sallah festival also witnesses the honor of homage by the Emir to the Government House (Hauwa Nassarawa) on the second day of Sallah, after the Governor would have paid a similar visit to the palace on Sallah day.
Coincidentally, while Governor Yusuf is scheduled to receive the homage of Muhammadu Sanusi and other second-class emirs at the Government House, The Guardian reliably gathered that Bayero would pay a similar visit to Federal Government delegations, including top members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kano, at a local venue yet to be unveiled.
As at Sunday night, the Kano Police Command in Kano was yet to issue an official statement on the rising apprehension in the State.
However, the newly posted Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, upon his arrival, pledged to ensure the protection of lives and property.
Meanwhile, the police had banned the celebration of the Sallah Durbar festival last year following the emirship crisis and the attendant tension of a possible security threat in the city.
