Jobberman to train 30,000 youths in Akwa Ibom on job and business skills

…Free training for young people across the state

Jobberman Nigeria has launched a training programme in Akwa Ibom aimed at equipping over 30,000 young people with job readiness and business development skills. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation and The Inspired Decision.

The programme is open to young people between the ages of 18 and 35. It offers free training in soft skills such as emotional intelligence, time management, and job interview preparation. Participants will also learn key entrepreneurship topics, including business planning, packaging, and legal frameworks.

Bridging the job-readiness gap

Innih Ikhide, Head of Youth Engagement at Jobberman, said the programme is designed to prepare participants for employment or to help them start their own businesses.

“The goal is to make young people employable or ready to launch their own businesses,” Ikhide said. He noted that employers in Nigeria often describe graduates as unemployable, adding that the training will help close this gap.

Building on previous success

This is the second phase of the initiative. The first phase trained 2.3 million youth across Nigeria and helped 500,000 of them secure employment. Organisers have also planned a career fair, job clinic, and disability inclusion forum as part of the current phase.

Local support and participant feedback

Uruan Local Government Chairman, Surv Iniobong Ekpenyong, urged beneficiaries of the training to take it seriously and apply the knowledge in their careers or businesses.

One of the participants, Peace Edet, a fashion designer, said the training had improved how she interacts with clients and plans her business. “It helped me with customer relations and business planning,” she said.

The programme continues across Akwa Ibom with more sessions expected in the coming weeks.