Mercy Corps’ Girls Improving Resilience through Livelihood and Health (GIRL-H) program has empowered 2,500 Nigerian youths with marketable skills.
This was disclosed by the humanitarian group at the GIRL-H Program’s Job Fair in Lagos.
Students, fresh graduates, and prospective professionals were among the varied crowd of attendees at the employment expo. Participants got to talk with representatives from different companies and organisations, look into career options, and learn about various sectors.
Country director of Mercy Corps, Ndubisi Anyanwu, while speaking to the media on how they were building a stronger future through youth, said: “Mercy Corps through its Girls Improving Resilience by Through Livelihood and – Health, GIRL- H, programme has empowered 2500 Nigerian youth.
“We believe that empowering youth is the future, actually the present, given the demographics in Nigeria. With a rapidly growing youth population, equipping young people with marketable skills is critical for their success and the nation’s overall development. With Nigeria’s youth population projected to double in the next 16 years, investing in their potential is critical,” Anyanwu posited.
The country director, therefore, urged all stakeholders to join forces in empowering young Nigerians to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Chioma Ukpabi, CEO of the EdTech platform SUWK, while giving her keynote presentation, highlighted the role that technology can play in skill development. She urged youth to add technology with practical skills to open up a world of possibilities.
The participants found inspiration in Ukpabi’s narrative, as many of them struggle with the same issues when trying to get resources and start a successful profession.
Ukpabi, therefore, provided helpful guidance for young people residing in impoverished areas. “You can actually learn virtually anything online,” she said, encouraging them to take advantage of free online resources for skill development. She also highlighted the importance of online platforms for showcasing skills and attracting opportunities. “Don’t wait for opportunities to come knocking. Put yourself out there. Post what you have. There are many platforms where young people can create content. Showcase your skills and connect with potential clients,” she urged.
Programme manager, GIRL-H Program, Rosetta Offiong Etta, said: “We are thrilled with the success of today’s Job Fair and the opportunities it created for our participants. “This event is a testament to our commitment to empowering young individuals, promoting gender inclusivity, and fostering a supportive environment for all.”
The career fair provided attendees with more than simply networking opportunities. In order to better prepare participants for the job market, skill training covered important subjects like business branding and career promotion tactics. Session themes that were covered concurrently included business branding and marketing, as well as ideas for professional growth. Participants were equipped with improved abilities and increased self-assurance in their job hunt endeavours.