30,000 Akwa Ibom Youths Set to Gain from New Job Initiative

May 29, 2025

A Nigerian firm specializing in career development and recruitment solutions, Jobberman, has declared intentions to train and enhance the skills of more than 30,000 young people and entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 who are jobless or working insufficient hours in Akwa Ibom State.

The training program was arranged by Jobberman Nigeria’s youth engagement and learning development team in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation.

The Head of Youth Engagement and Learning Development at the organization, Innih Ikhide, shared this information on Tuesday when speaking with reporters during a Jobberman Entrepreneurship and Small Business Training course held in the Uruan Local Government Area of the state.

He mentioned that the training would equip them for employment, connect them to respectable job opportunities, and empower those interested in starting their own businesses with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed.

Ikhide mentioned that the training consisted of two main components: Soft Skills and either Entrepreneurship or Small Business Development.

He mentioned that the soft skills training encompasses personal effectiveness, time management, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, problem-solving, mastering CV writing, and excelling in job interviews.

As per his statement, the entrepreneurship and small business course aims to provide participants with the necessary skills for drafting a business plan, presenting their enterprises effectively, understanding the legal aspects involved, and anticipating various challenges they might face in their ventures.

He mentioned that Jobberman was established to address the issues of unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria, particularly within Akwa Ibom State. He encouraged young people to utilize this opportunity by participating in the free training programs offered to better equip themselves for job opportunities. Additionally, he pointed out that certain employers have expressed concerns about the lack of preparedness among some youth entering the workforce.

Soft skills training is aimed at young individuals who are seeking jobs and wish to obtain formal employment.

Our aim is for individuals to secure formal jobs or utilize these skills to establish their own businesses. We anticipate training around 20 to 30 thousand young Akwa Ibom residents who will then find meaningful employment. This program offers an entirely free chance, provided through Jobberman in collaboration with our partner, Inspired Decision.

According to the research we’ve done, we recognize an issue where recent graduates struggle to find employment. This problem is compounded as employers often express dissatisfaction with these graduates’ lack of readiness for work. To address this, our initiative aims to help participants alter their mindsets through training, making them more adaptable and better equipped to seize available opportunities. Said Ikhide.

He disclosed that the initial stage of the project, rolled out in various other states, involved skill development for approximately 2.3 million youth, with around 500,000 securing employment opportunities. He expressed optimism that the subsequent phase, having only recently begun and scheduled to continue until 2029, will prove even more successful.

In appreciation of the support from the Akwa Ibom State government and other collaborators, Ikhide revealed plans to initiate a career fair, which will function as a career counseling event along with a platform designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, all aimed at expanding the scope of the ongoing initiative over the longer term.

During his speech, the chairman of the Uruan local government area, Surui Iniobong Ekpenyong, encouraged the attendees to approach the training with seriousness and apply everything they learned practically. He emphasized that this would keep them constructively occupied instead of turning to beggary.

A participant named Peace Edet, who works as a fashion designer, conveyed her thanks to the organizers of the training session. She mentioned that this experience has provided her with insights into interacting effectively with clients and drafting a comprehensive business plan.

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