Unemployed Youths Director Challenges Youths To Embrace FG’s N110billion Skills Programme

BY EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU

The National Director of Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria, Comrade Ugochukwu Emeana has challenged youths across the country to take advantage of the Federal Government’s N110 billion National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP) .

He submitted that this is aimed at reducing poverty level and would contribute in reducing youth unemployment to 30% in the next five years.

Comrade Emeana stressed that the issues relating to youth unemployment is a collective responsibility and commended the bold initiative of President Bola Tinubu in addressing this quagmire and expressed confidence that with this milestone the nation is on the path of growth and sustainable development.

Picture Of the National Director, Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria, Comrade Ugochukwu Emeana.

The National Director made this known while addressing newsmen.

He enjoined the organized private sector to emulate this laudable vision of the Federal government and create visible vision for youth employment.

“We are happy with this present development which will go along way in empowering the youths and call on the private sector to follow this laudable vision aimed at full restoration of the hope and aspiration of the youths across the country”.

COMR UGOCHUKWU SYVESTER EMEANA NATIONAL DIRECTOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS ASSOCIATION NIGERIA WITH APC NATIONAL YOUTHS LEADER DR DAYO ISRAEL

Speaking, the Minister of Youth, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, stated that the program is a critical step towards addressing Nigeria’s youth employment challenges.

According to him, the NYSP will provide skills training and financial support to 11 key sectors vital to Nigeria’s development, including agriculture, renewable energy, and the digital economy.

Dr. Bio- Ibrahim revealed that government statistics indicated that over 42.5% of Nigerian youth are currently unemployed, with 33 million lacking a clear career path.

“The program has allocated N110 billion for the 2024 fiscal year, with an additional Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) to provide grants, loans, and mentorship to youth-led businesses. This ensures inclusivity by setting aside 50% of its participation for female youth and providing full access to training programs for persons with disabilities.”

Dr. Bio-Ibrahim emphasized the need for private sector involvement, stating that businesses must partner with the government to provide training, apprenticeships, and mentorship.

“A robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework has been implemented to track key performance indicators.”

The Minister highlighted that the NYSP aims to bridge the gap between skills training and financial support, providing a holistic solution that includes mentorship, financial backing, and industry partnerships.