Nigeria faces severe youth unemployment, needing initiatives like jobs creation to address it is vital for Nigerian youth and national prosperity.
Current Situation of Nigerian Youth Employment
![](https://insidesuccessnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NIgerian-Job.png)
A. Statistics:
Youth employment in Nigeria exceeds national averages, affecting 20% of youths with 30% having stable jobs and 25% of graduates unemployed.
B. Challenges:
Barriers like limited job options, skill mismatches, and inadequate support for entrepreneurship hinder youth employability, exacerbating poverty and inequality.
C. Impact:
Youth unemployment escalates poverty, inequality, and social tensions, threatening national security and economic development, necessitating urgent action and jobs creation..
Proposed Plan for Job Creation
A. Overview:
The initiative aims to create 20 million jobs by leveraging partnerships and policies across sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship.
B. Strategies:
Infrastructure investment, vocational training, SME development, and labor market reforms are essential for enhancing youth employability and innovation.
C. Expected Outcomes:
The plan anticipates reduced unemployment, poverty alleviation, and empowered Nigerian youth, fostering sustainable development and prosperity.
Potential Impacts and Benefits
A. Economic Revitalization:
Increased employment can boost economic growth, consumer spending, and foreign investment, driving revitalization and prosperity in Nigeria.
B. Skill Development:
Job creation offers opportunities for skill development and career advancement, equipping youth with practical experience and vocational education.
C. Social and Psychological Benefits:
Lowered unemployment improves mental health, social cohesion, and optimism, promoting resilience and positive societal outcomes among Nigerian youth.
![](https://insidesuccessnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/job-INSIDE-SUCCESS-NIGERIA.webp)
Challenges and Obstacles
A. Implementation Challenges:
Bureaucratic inefficiencies, political instability, and economic downturns pose hurdles to implementing job creation, requiring strong leadership and proactive measures.
INSIDE SUCCESS NIGERIA INTERVIEW WITH ENGR. BOLA BABARINDE on “Reviving Hope: 20 Million Jobs in Two Years Sparks New Dawn for Nigerian Youth”
![](https://insidesuccessnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Engr.-Bola-Babarinde-INSIDE-SUCCESS.jpg)
Engr. Bola Babarinde, an experienced figure in politics, has a notable history as the Former APC Chairman for the South Africa Chapter, serving for six impactful years. Currently, he holds a prestigious role as the national chairman within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South Africa, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the party’s vision. Known for his strategic leadership and governance skills, Engr. Bola Babarinde plays a crucial role in shaping the party’s direction, ensuring its continued success in the political arena.
Furthermore, his collaboration with Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, highlights his dedication to addressing pressing societal issues. During our discussion with him at Inside Success Nigeria, Engr. Bola Babarinde emphasized the need for a change in employment strategies, stressing diversification and readiness for various job sectors. He outlined plans for comprehensive training programs aimed at preparing Nigerian youth, underlining the importance of understanding their interests.
Regarding concerns about youth unemployment, Engr. Bola Babarinde acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic about political involvement as a solution. He highlighted the importance of collective action and grassroots engagement in bringing about meaningful change, advocating for mentorship and strategic participation in politics.
Engr. Bola Babarinde emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in employment strategies, stating that one’s field of study shouldn’t be the sole determinant of employment. He stressed the importance of diversification and readiness for various job sectors, outlining plans for comprehensive training programs. He highlighted the importance of understanding Nigerian youth’s interests and preferences in shaping these initiatives.
In response to concerns about youth unemployment, Engr. Bola Babarinde remained optimistic about political involvement as a solution. He emphasized the importance of collective action and grassroots engagement in bringing about meaningful change, advocating for mentorship and strategic participation in politics.
INSIDE SUCCESS NIGERIA: 13.44 percent of Nigerian youth are unemployed; how do you feel about this?
ENGR. BOLA BABARINDE: It’s undoubtedly a concerning statistic. We need to acknowledge the challenges, but it’s essential to remain optimistic and proactive in addressing them. There’s a need for comprehensive strategies to combat youth unemployment, and political involvement can play a significant role in creating opportunities.
INSIDE SUCCESS NIGERIA: On the 18th of April 2018, President Buhari said that Nigerian youths are lazy. What is your reaction to that?
ENGR. BOLA BABARINDE: I believe that statement was an assertion rather than a reflection of reality. As someone who spent more than 20 years abroad and remains deeply rooted in Nigeria, I can attest to the resilience and determination of Nigerian youth. Despite facing numerous challenges, they continue to strive for success. While there may be areas where Nigerian youth can improve, laziness is certainly not a defining characteristic.
INSIDE SUCCESS NIGERIA: Does political involvement serve as a beacon of hope for job creation among Nigerian youth?
ENGR. BOLA BABARINDE: Absolutely. Politics offers a platform for Nigerian youth to effect meaningful change and shape the future of the country. Despite challenges such as godfatherism, young people should not be discouraged from participating in politics. Grassroots engagement and collective action can amplify their voices and drive inclusive governance and sustainable development.
INSIDE SUCCESS NIGERIA: You have lived abroad for more than 20 years. Do you believe there’s something Nigerian youths are missing that makes them unemployed?
ENGR. BOLA BABARINDE: No, I don’t think Nigerian youths are inherently lacking. It’s essential to recognize that Nigeria faces various socio-economic challenges, but Nigerian youth exhibit tremendous potential and resilience. While there may be areas for improvement, particularly in political engagement and entrepreneurship, many young Nigerians are actively seeking opportunities and contributing to positive change in their communities.
INSIDE SUCCESS NIGERIA: 70% of Nigerian youths believe that their competency and certifications are insufficient to secure jobs without the right connections. What is your view on this?
ENGR. BOLA BABARINDE: I disagree with that sentiment. As someone who has pursued various career paths and achieved success through competence and determination, I believe Nigerian youth have the potential to excel based on their qualifications and abilities. While connections may play a role in certain circumstances, competence and diligence are ultimately the most crucial factors in securing employment opportunities. It’s essential for young Nigerians to focus on honing their skills, acquiring relevant qualifications, and seizing opportunities through their merit.
In conclusion, the initiative aimed at creating 20 million job opportunities within two years for Nigerian youth represents a beacon of hope and a transformative opportunity for the nation. By addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment, this ambitious endeavor holds the potential to spark a new dawn of economic growth, social stability, and prosperity. The statistics reveal the stark reality of Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis, with approximately 20% of young Nigerians currently without jobs and only 30% able to secure stable employment.
To watch the interview, kindly click this link.
3 Comments
There is hope for Nigerian Youths!
I can’t wait to see how this would become a reality. Nigerian youths have laboured enough.
Thank you, Princess!