News
Private Sector Steps Up as Foundation, Partners Train 60 Youths to Tackle Skills Gap
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
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
By: Zagazola Makama
An inspection team from the ECOWAS Force Headquarters and Army Headquarters has assessed the operational readiness of Nigeria’s ECOWAS standby force at Naquora Barracks in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the team, led by Brig.-Gen. Sheikh Sulaiman Massaquoi, visited the barracks on Nov. 7, 2026, to evaluate the troops’ preparedness for possible deployment.
The team received briefings on troop readiness, training and administrative matters, and witnessed demonstrations on roadblock operations and crowd dispersal.
Massaquoi commended the troops for their performance and urged them to sustain high standards of professionalism, discipline and physical fitness.
The inspection visit ended without any incident.
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt and rescued a gunshot-wounded victim along the Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6 OPEP, deployed at Sopp, responded to a distress report at about 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, after suspected kidnappers blocked the road in the area.
The swift intervention of the troops reportedly forced the criminals to flee before they could carry out their operation.
The troops subsequently combed the area and rescued one occupant of a Sharon vehicle who had sustained a gunshot wound.
The victim was evacuated to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost at Tigi, where he received first aid treatment.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area through fighting patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping and forestall further attacks.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have raided a hotel along Baring Road in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, arresting five suspected criminals and recovering 26 mobile phones and other items.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 1 OPEP, while on patrol, responded to a report of phone snatching at about 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026.
Following the incident, the stolen phone was reportedly tracked to Prime House Hotel within the area, prompting the troops to conduct a raid on the facility.
The operation led to the arrest of five suspects identified as Tahir Suleiman, 25; Muhammed Ahmed, 25; Muhammed Labaran Haruna, 27; Yahya Yunusa, 20; and Aisha Mohammad, 22.
The suspects were reportedly found in possession of the tracked phone, while a further search led to the recovery of 26 mobile phones, 27 pouches, three MP devices, two earpods, an HP laptop, a knife and four power banks.
The vehicle belonging to the suspects was also towed to the headquarters of Sector 1 for a comprehensive search.
The suspects and recovered exhibits remain in custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops Raid Jos Hotel, Arrest Five Suspects Over Phone Snatching, Recover 26 Phones
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Burglars Attempting to Steal Chickens in Plateau
Troops Arrest Herder Over Alleged Destruction of Farmland in Benue
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News3 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions5 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News2 years agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News3 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS3 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns3 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
