The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) is hosting its first Youth Link Forum with the theme "Linking Youth to Employability skills and Entrepreneurship development opportunities in the Niger Delta" in three different locations in the Niger Delta to discuss and contribute to resolving the most pressing economic and social problems that limit youth potentials.
Promotion of entrepreneurship development and overall self-employment are increasingly considered as viable options by state governments in Nigeria, and nowhere is this truer than in the Niger Delta. A 2013 UNIDO report on youth employment estimates that Nigeria produces about 4 million university graduates annually, of which only about less than half a million can find gainful employment within the first six months of graduating from school. Majority of these new entrants into the labor market have no or limited skills in relation to current and future employment needs of the economy.
Findings from PIND's own Niger Delta Youth Assessment conducted in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Abia and Edo states amongst young people between the ages of 15-35 reveal the extent of the youth challenge. Out of a total of 464 youth surveyed, only over a quarter of youth respondents (27%) reported being employed. The survey also showed the perception of Niger Delta youth by private sector employers as poorly educated, lacking job skills, and prone to militancy or violence and have an "entitlement mentality". However, youth interviewed saw themselves as having great potential and motivation to improve their circumstances. These youth, however, opined that lack of access to skills or resources that could assist them in succeeding as a major obstacle to their development.
As part of efforts to address these youth challenge, PIND in collaboration with her development partners is hosting a youth link forum that will help promote a platform for youth in the Niger Delta and beyond to help reposition them for entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, while contributing to a better understanding of the socio-economic development issues facing youth. This Forum will also provide an avenue for youth across the Niger Delta to network; provide information and guidance to improve their employability and entrepreneurial development opportunities; inform and influence policy makers and youth serving organizations to support and initiate interventions that addresses youth concerns through research evidence and practical experiences that will be shared and contribute to peace building through socioeconomic engagement of Niger Delta youth.
The event locations and dates for these forums are scheduled as follows:
- Uyo: September 2 & 3. This location will invite participation of stakeholders from Rivers, Bayelsa and Imo states;
- Port Harcourt: September 9 & 10. This location will invite participation of stakeholders from Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Abia states;
- Benin City: September 16 & 17. This location will invite participation of stakeholders from Ondo, Edo and Delta states.
Interested stakeholders are encouraged to apply for admission by completing and submitting an application form for consideration and selection.
DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM Youth Link Registration form
After completing the registration form, send to micah@pindfoundation.org
Source: www.ndlink.org
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