The Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammadu Dingyadi, praised the efforts of shareholders in fighting the high rate of unemployment in Nigeria.
He said that days of lamentation are over while solutions is what the country desperately needed.
The job fair was organised in partnership with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA). Technical and financial support was provided by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) through its programmes – Centres for Migration and Development (ZME), Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Minister in his keynote address emphasised the importance of such initiatives in tackling unemployment, particularly among Nigeria’s youth population.
“This fair, jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) with the invaluable technical and financial support of the German Development Corporation (GIZ), is a beacon of hope for our nation.
“It reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities, empowering our workforce, and laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic development,” the minister said.
The Minister commended the planning committee and expressed gratitude to the German Development Cooperation for its continued investment in initiatives that promote job creation and workforce development in Nigeria.
“Your partnership is instrumental in ensuring that we can scale up our efforts to address the pressing challenges of unemployment and underemployment.
“Today, we are gathered here against the backdrop of a global labour market challenge, The effects of economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and environmental challenges have reverberated across nations, intensifying the strain on governments, businesses, and individuals,” Dingyadi said.
Citing data from the International Labour Organization, the Minister highlighted the global nature of the issue, noting that over half a billion people worldwide are either unemployed or underemployed.
“This transition is not just about protecting our planet it is about creating new industries, new jobs, and a workforce prepared to lead in a sustainable future.”
The Minister also noted the digital transformation sweeping across every sector of the economy.
He said that with advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, cyber security and other emerging technologies, the skills required to thrive in today’s labour market are rapidly evolving.
“The 2024 Abuja Job Fair places a strong emphasis on equipping job seekers with these critical skills, ensuring they are prepared not just for today’s opportunities but for the challenges and innovations of tomorrow.
“Through this event, we aim to go beyond the conventional job fair experience, this is not just a space to connect job seekers with employers; it is a platform for empowerment and skill development,” he said.
During the fair, he said, participants will undergo intensive training in soft skills, which is an essential component of employability in any field.
He said the ability to communicate effectively, adapt to change, collaborate with others, and think critically are as important as technical expertise in today’s dynamic work environment.
Participants will also have the opportunity to engage directly with potential employers and learn from the experiences of successful individuals.
These activities are designed to ensure that every participant leaves the fair better prepared to navigate the job market and seize opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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