National News
Foundation tasks Youth on skills acquisition to tackle unemployment
By Ibironke Ariyo


Dr Yusuf John-Suberu Foundation has tasked Nigerian youth to acquire relevant skills to reduce unemployment and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic development.
The Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation, Dr Yusuf Suberu made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja to commemorate the International Youth Day (IYD).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that International Youth Day (IYD) is an awareness day designated by the United Nations that takes place on August 12.
The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. The first IYD was observed on 12 August 2000.
Suberu said that skills acquisition was key to unlocking opportunities and driving innovation.
He said that the 2024 IYD theme, ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development highlighted the intersection of youth, digital innovation, and sustainable development.
He also said that it emphasised the crucial role young people played in using digital technologies to drive sustainable progress.
He added that technical and vocational skills have become imperative to bridge the unemployment gap in the country, especially among the youths.
He also added that unemployment was a major challenge facing Nigerian youth adding that with the right skills, they could create their own jobs and become employers of labour.
“Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and has one of the largest youth populations in the world.
“The global health and economic crisis have further heightened our national challenge of youth restiveness, agitation and social vices being perpetuated in our society.
“These challenges point to the root causes of widespread poverty, youth unemployment and underemployment.
“We must move away from the mindset of seeking white-collar jobs and focus on acquiring skills that will make us self-reliant,”he said.
Suberu noted that the foundation had trained over 1,000 youth in various skills, including vocational training, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy.
He said that every youth in Nigeria today must determine to be equipped with the technical and vocational skills which were in demand in the national and international labour market.
With the strides in technology over the last decade, opportunities have opened up for individuals and businesses to operate virtually.
“The demand for Information Communication Technology (ICT) and digital skills is on the increase.”
“The youth are the future of this country, and we must invest in them. We are committed to empowering Nigerian youth with the skills they need to succeed.
“We are also committed to making a difference in the lives of Nigerian youth. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that they have the skills they need to succeed,”he added.
-
Politics18 hours ago
‘Big incentive to indigenous producers,’ Ndume backs Tinubu’s ban on foreign goods
-
Politics19 hours ago
Breaking: Kwankwaso no longer attractive in Kano, minister rejects ex-gov’s defection
-
Crime and Law2 days ago
Breaking: Shock as EFCC denies involvement in VeryDarkMan arrest reports
-
Education2 days ago
UTME 2025: JAMB releases result analysis
-
Politics19 hours ago
Breaking : Tinubu meets Oborevwori in Aso Rock
-
Crime and Law1 day ago
Frank condemns arrest of VeryDarkMan by EFCC, urges Nigerians to rise against impunity
-
Crime and Law1 day ago
Breaking: EFCC releases official statement on VeryDarkMan’s arrest
-
National News2 days ago
State of Emergency: Group accuses Lawal of launching political war against Tinubu, Matawalle in Zamfara