The Alliance for Youth Nigeria is celebrating four years of impact, marking the transformation of over 25,000 young Nigerians who are now gainfully employed through skills development, entrepreneurship support, and other employment opportunities.
Founded by Nestlé Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Big Bottling Company, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, and U-Connect HR Limited, the Alliance is supported by key stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Youth, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and Activate Success International. Together, they share a bold vision: equipping 250,000 young Nigerians with vital employability and entrepreneurial skills by 2030.
This year, 585 young people participated in the Alliance’s flagship Vocational Skills Training program in Jos, gaining practical skills in beauty care, video editing, solar panel installation, and web design. High performers across the various skill tracks received start-up kits and seed capital, enabling them to immediately put their new skills into practice. Participants also showcased their capabilities in real-time projects, demonstrating the direct, tangible benefits of the training.
Highlighting the private sector’s commitment to youth empowerment, Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resource Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, said, “As a proud member of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, Nestlé Nigeria is committed to the shared vision of empowering young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together with other like-minded partners, we are creating pathways to employment, building careers, and nurturing the next generation of leaders who will shape a better future for our nation.”
Representing the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, Stephanie Iwunze, speaking on behalf of CEO/ED Naomi Nwokolo, emphasized the global dimension of the challenge, “The youth constitute a vital segment of Nigeria’s predominantly young population. Now more than ever, it is imperative to invest in this generation, especially as rapid technological advancements reshape the global landscape. Without deliberate and focused action, Nigeria risks falling further behind, widening the gap in keeping pace with global progress.”
From the government’s perspective, Mrs. Deborah Simon Pitmang, Zonal Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Youth, applauded the initiative and called for sustained collaboration:
“Any alliance that focuses on developing young people’s skills is not only building individuals, but also building the nation. Youth make up a vital segment of Nigeria’s population, and the urgent need to invest in their skills cannot be overstated, especially in the face of rapid technological advancements. Without deliberate action, Nigeria risks widening the gap in keeping pace with global progress. The truth remains: the higher the skills, the higher the gains. We commend the Alliance for Youth Nigeria for sustaining its efforts and keeping pace for the future generations through skills development.”
Adding the perspective of employability experts, Olamide Adeyeye, Country Head of Programmes, Jobberman Nigeria, reinforced the need for targeted youth development:
“With over 70% of our population being youth, we know that there can be no socioeconomic transformation in Nigeria without the meaningful development of young people. This is why, Jobberman, as a member of the alliance are supporting millions to be upskilled and supported to transition into meaningful work.”
Since its inception, the Alliance for Youth Nigeria has reached over 25,000 young people nationwide through vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and employability programs, with every participant securing employment or successfully launching a business.
Looking ahead, the Alliance remains committed to deepening its impact by expanding training opportunities, fostering stronger public-private partnerships, and innovating programs that respond to the fast-changing realities of the Nigerian job market.