Private Sector Steps Up as Foundation, Partners Train 60 Youths to Tackle Skills Gap

By: Michael Mike

Concerned about the widening gap between academic qualifications and workplace readiness in Nigeria, private sector actors have intensified efforts to prepare young people for employment, with 60 youths recently trained in practical and entrepreneurial skills in Ibadan.

The training was conducted under the Skill-Up Ibadan 2.0 initiative organised by Ogbeni Labzy Alternative in partnership with the Tegbe Foundation, as part of efforts to strengthen workforce readiness and support human capital development.

The two-week programme, held in Ibadan, brought together young professionals for intensive training designed to equip them with practical competencies needed to thrive in today’s competitive labour market.

Facilitated by industry practitioners, the sessions combined technical training with critical soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and entrepreneurship, reflecting growing recognition that employability now requires more than academic knowledge.

Convener of Ogbeni Labzy Alternative, Adeola Adelabu, said the initiative was conceived as a deliberate intervention to address the persistent skills gap affecting many Nigerian youths entering the workforce.

According to him, the programme was structured to expose participants to market-relevant knowledge and practical tools that would improve their ability to secure employment or create their own opportunities in an increasingly dynamic economy.

Adelabu noted that the initiative also reflects the growing role of private sector organisations and philanthropic institutions in supporting youth empowerment and workforce development.

The programme was organised in commemoration of the 60th birthday of Joseph Tegbe, whose foundation has been actively supporting youth-focused initiatives across sectors.

Other partners involved in the programme included Sebs Hub, SkillNG, and SchoolNowNow, which contributed to the programme’s design, facilitation and learning resources.

Participants who completed the training said the programme significantly improved their technical knowledge, strengthened their soft skills and boosted their confidence to pursue career opportunities in a challenging economic environment.

In a goodwill message, Executive Director of the Tegbe Foundation, Femi Adeleke, praised the organisers and reiterated the foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young people and enhance workforce readiness.

He stressed that sustained investment in skills development remains critical to unlocking Nigeria’s demographic potential and preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to economic growth.

Additional remarks by Olajumoke Adelabu and Ibrahim Oredola highlighted the importance of partnerships among the private sector, development organisations and training institutions in expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.

Certificates were presented to all participants at the end of the programme, with special recognition given to outstanding trainees and contributors.

Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that expanding initiatives such as Skill-Up Ibadan would help address the growing skills deficit in Nigeria’s labour market while strengthening the country’s human capital base.

Private Sector Steps Up as Foundation, Partners Train 60 Youths to Tackle Skills Gap

Troops rescue 157 civilians, foil ISWAP abduction in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued no fewer than 157 civilians abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on March 30 at about 2:50 p.m. when troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Echo 1, Dutse Kura, came under attack while on escort duty.

During the engagement, it was discovered that the terrorists had kidnapped about 17 vehicles conveying an estimated 157 civilians and were moving them into the bush along the route.

“Own troops immediately deployed to the location and successfully engaged the terrorists, repelling the attack and forcing them to flee towards Mangari axis.

The troops pursued the fleeing insurgents into the bush, compelling them to abandon the abducted vehicles and all the victims.

However, during the pursuit, the QRF team encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Bula Zarma–Mangari general area.

One soldier sustained severe injuries from the explosion and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility in Biu for expert treatment.

The rescued victims, comprising men, women and children, were moved to Buratai town for onward transportation to their respective destinations for reunification with their families.

Military sources said troops have continued to dominate the general area, while the security situation remains unpredictable.

Troops rescue 157 civilians, foil ISWAP abduction in Borno

VP Shettima, Zulum, Others Grace Babajide Otitoju’s Book Launch

By: Our Reporter

Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and governors of Kwara, Lagos, Taraba, Kogi, and Akwa Ibom States attended the book launch and 60th birthday celebration of veteran journalist and Director of News at TVC, Babajide Otitoju.

The event, held on Monday at the NAF Conference Centre, brought together prominent figures from Nigeria’s political and media spheres in honour of Otitoju’s enduring contributions to journalism.

The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of Otitoju’s book titled “My Life and Journalist Hangout.”

Chairman of the event and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, delivered remarks on behalf of the 36 state governors.

He described Otitoju as a seasoned journalist whose work has significantly influenced the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria, adding that his legacy will stand as one of excellence and professionalism in the media industry.

In a demonstration of collective support, the Kwara State Governor announced the purchase of 36 copies of the book on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for a total sum of ₦200 million.

VP Shettima, Zulum, Others Grace Babajide Otitoju’s Book Launch