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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
News
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits have killed one person and injured three others in an attack on Shonong community in Bachi District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a sustained reprisal attack linked to an earlier livestock-related incident.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 8:40 p.m. on April 19 when the armed men invaded the community and opened fire on residents.
The sources said the assault was believed to be in retaliation over the killing of nine livestock in the area, an incident that had heightened tensions between farming and herding communities in the locality.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) deployed in the area reportedly came under fire while responding to the attack and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, forcing them to withdraw after a heavy exchange of fire.
Reinforcement teams were later deployed and moved into the community to stabilise the situation and restore order.
According to the sources, the attackers killed a woman identified as Mrs Fibi Solomon, while three others — Mr Solomon, Master Jacob Solomon and Miss Jacobeth Solomon — sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Riyom for treatment, alongside the remains of the deceased.
Troops also rescued 12 civilians comprising three men, six women and three children, who were relocated to nearby Fang village for safety.
Security sources added that troops had intensified pursuit operations to track down the fleeing attackers, while the general area remained calm but tense.
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha
By: Yahqya Wakili
The immediate past secretary to the Yobe State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali mni, today paid a condolence visit to Senator Musa Mustapha, senator representing Yobe East in the National Assembly, following the death of his mother-in-law, the late Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by his press secretary, Alhaji Shuaibu Abdullahi, made available to newsmen in Damaturu, the state capital.
During the visit, the former secretary to the state government, Baba Malam Wali mni, offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.
He urged the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude, noting that death is inevitable and a path that every mortal must take.
Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin passed away yesterday, Thursday, 16th April 2026, in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital. She was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic injunction.
Baba Malam Wali further prayed to Almighty Allah SWT to forgive the shortcomings of the late Hajiya Fatima, have mercy on her, and grant her Al-Jannatul Fiddausi as her final abode.
Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 Area of Responsibility have foiled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 1329hrs on April 19, when the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base through Charlie/Delta Company axis.
The attackers, operating with two gun trucks, were sighted advancing toward the entrance gate of Mairari town along the Gajiram axis.
Troops immediately engaged the advancing terrorists, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat.
Following the encounter, troops dominated the general area with patrols, while air support was also deployed and hovered over the vicinity. However, no further terrorist presence was observed after the exchange.
Security sources said exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to prevent regrouping and to secure surrounding communities.
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
Angry youths, women attack soldiers, burn military checkpoint in Plateau over killing of villager
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
Troops destroy terrorist hideouts, arrest 9 suspected informants in Taraba
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