Dr. Okpanachi Jacob, a renowned academic, has urged the Nigerian federal government to prioritize innovative technical and vocational training programs as a strategic solution to the growing issue of youth unemployment and its associated challenges.
Speaking at the 4th Goodwill Akpabio Leadership and Youth Mentorship Symposium, organized by Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) on December 9, 2024, in Abuja, Dr. Okpanachi emphasized the critical role of empowering young Nigerians through skill acquisition. The symposium, themed Igniting Productivity by Utilizing Technical and Vocational Opportunities, provided a platform for discussing solutions to the country’s unemployment crisis.
Dr. Okpanachi highlighted the need for a comprehensive government approach, stating, “In the coming years, government at all levels should focus more on innovative technical and vocational training for youths as a way of creating jobs and triggering productivity. Exploring all available opportunities for Nigerian youths will enable them to become self-employed and employers of labor.”
He also underscored the untapped potential of agriculture in addressing unemployment, stressing, “In a country with vast arable land, it is unacceptable that our agricultural productivity is low. More Nigerians, particularly the youth, must be engaged in agriculture to ensure food sufficiency, create a balance of trade, and reduce the pressure on our foreign exchange.”
Dr. Okpanachi further called on the Senate President to support RUN in organizing nationwide training programs ahead of the forthcoming youth conference, which aims to foster job creation and enhance national productivity.
The symposium drew a distinguished audience, including Chief Dominic Ogakwu, Chairman of the event; Amb. Splendour Agbonkpolor, Executive Director of the Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria; Amb. Austin Peacemaker, Executive Director of Security Affairs; Comr. Danesi Month, National Coordinator of the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative; Hajia Zainab Sule, Coordinator of the Rural Empowerment and Development Initiative; and Comr. Chris Ofomhi, Convener of the Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative.
Amb. Solomon Adodo, the Convener of RUN, concluded the event by expressing gratitude to the keynote speaker and participants, particularly the youth. He urged them to leverage the insights from the symposium to build a more productive and prosperous society.
