In commemoration of the 2021 International Youth Day, five companies have joined forces under the Global Alliance for Youth to tackle youth unemployment by helping young people around the country get the necessary skills to thrive in the world of work in Nigeria.
The business-driven movement plans to reach over 250,000 young Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurial skills to enable them get gainful employment or set up businesses of their own within the next three years.
Members of the Alliance, which include Nestlé Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Sterling One Foundation, Big Bottling Company and the United Nations Global Compact have positioned themselves to invest in various joint and individual initiatives to give young Nigerians meaningful work experience, internships, readiness-for-work training.
At the launch of the Alliance Wednesday in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nestlé Nigeria PLC, Wassim Elhusseini, stated that high youth unemployment presents serious global social and economic challenges including increased poverty and insecurity.
Elhusseini, who was represented by the Nestle Country HR Manager, Shakiru Lawal, lamented that youths are confronted with multiple challenges, but noted that the critical challenge is that of a lack of opportunities.
He said, “Our youth have great potential, and those who have been privileged to find the right opportunities have thrived in remarkable ways.”
The Chief Executive Officer, Jobberman Nigeria, Rolake Rosiji, said youth will, through the Alliance, gain access to high-quality trainings, and will be able to gain the critical skills needed to swiftly enter the workforce, as well as grow in their respective fields.
Naomi Nwokolo, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Nigeria in her comment said it is no longer fashionable to ignore the youth, as she called on all stakeholders work towards harnessing the powers and potentials of the youth demographics.
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