The Alliance for Youth Nigeria has marked a major milestone in its mission to tackle youth unemployment, announcing that more than 25,000 young Nigerians have benefitted from its skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment initiatives since inception.
The Alliance, founded by Nestlé Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Big Bottling Company, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, and U-Connect HR Limited, is working with critical partners such as the Federal Ministry of Youth, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and Activate Success International to achieve its ambitious goal of equipping 250,000 young Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurial skills by 2030.
This year alone, the Alliance’s flagship Vocational Skills Training Programme impacted 585 young people in Jos, who received practical training in areas such as beauty care, video editing, solar panel installation, and web design. Outstanding participants were further supported with start-up kits and seed funding, enabling them to immediately convert their skills into income-generating ventures.
Speaking on the initiative, Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resource Manager of Nestlé Nigeria, reaffirmed the private sector’s role in driving youth empowerment:
“As a proud member of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, Nestlé is committed to empowering young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together with other like-minded partners, we are creating pathways to employment, building careers, and nurturing the next generation of leaders who will shape a better future for our nation.”
Representing the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, Stephanie Iwunze, on behalf of CEO/ED Naomi Nwokolo, underscored the urgency of investing in Nigeria’s youthful population:
“The youth constitute a vital segment of Nigeria’s predominantly young population. Now more than ever, it is imperative to invest in this generation, especially as rapid technological advancements reshape the global landscape. Without deliberate and focused action, Nigeria risks falling further behind, widening the gap in keeping pace with global progress.”
From the government’s perspective, Mrs. Deborah Simon Pitmang, Zonal Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Youth, hailed the Alliance’s efforts:
“Any alliance that focuses on developing young people’s skills is not only building individuals, but also building the nation. The truth remains: the higher the skills, the higher the gains. We commend the Alliance for Youth Nigeria for sustaining its efforts and preparing future generations through skills development.”
Adding insight on employability, Olamide Adeyeye, Country Head of Programmes, Jobberman Nigeria, stressed the importance of targeted youth development:
“With over 70% of our population being youth, there can be no socioeconomic transformation in Nigeria without the meaningful development of young people. This is why Jobberman, as a member of the Alliance, is supporting millions to be upskilled and transitioned into meaningful work.”
Since its establishment, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria has ensured that every participant of its programs either secures employment or successfully starts a business. Looking forward, the Alliance pledged to scale its impact, expand training opportunities, and strengthen public-private partnerships to address the evolving needs of the Nigerian job market.
