Alliance for Youth Nigeria Equips 25,000 Young People with Skills and Jobs

 Alliance for Youth Nigeria Equips 25,000 Young People with Skills and Jobs

Jos, Nigeria — August 15, 2025. The Alliance for Youth Nigeria has marked a major milestone, celebrating four years of impact with more than 25,000 young Nigerians now gainfully employed through skills training, entrepreneurship support, and other job opportunities.

The initiative, founded by Nestlé Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Big Bottling Company, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, and U-Connect HR Limited, is supported by key stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Youth, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and Activate Success International. The Alliance has set an ambitious goal of equipping 250,000 young Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurial skills by 2030.

This year, 585 young people in Jos benefited from the Alliance’s flagship Vocational Skills Training programme, acquiring hands-on skills in beauty care, video editing, solar panel installation, and web design. Outstanding participants received start-up kits and seed funding to launch their careers, while others showcased their talents through live projects that demonstrated the immediate value of the training.

Highlighting the private sector’s role, Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resource Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, said:

“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 our partners, we are building pathways to employment, careers, and the next generation of leaders who will shape Nigeria’s future.”

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, Stephanie Iwunze, representing CEO/ED Naomi Nwokolo, emphasized the global importance of youth empowerment:

“Nigeria’s predominantly young population is a critical resource. In an era of rapid technological change, it is imperative to invest in this generation or risk widening the gap with global progress.”

From the government’s perspective, Mrs. Deborah Simon Pitmang, Zonal Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Youth, commended the initiative:

“Any alliance that develops young people’s skills is building not only individuals but also the nation. The higher the skills, the higher the gains. We applaud the Alliance for sustaining these efforts to secure a brighter future for Nigeria.”

Also stressing the importance of youth-focused development, Olamide Adeyeye, Country Head of Programmes, Jobberman Nigeria, said:

“With over 70% of our population being youth, Nigeria cannot achieve true socioeconomic transformation without deliberate investment in young people. Jobberman is proud to be part of this alliance, supporting millions to transition into meaningful work.”

Since its establishment, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria has trained more than 25,000 young people nationwide, with participants either securing employment or starting their own businesses.

Looking ahead, the Alliance says it will expand training opportunities, strengthen public-private partnerships, and design innovative programmes tailored to the fast-changing realities of the Nigerian job market.