From Umar Dankano, Yola
In a bid to promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance among Nigerian youths, Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has trained 900 young men and women on how to build and sustain successful business careers in Adamawa State.
The capacity-building programme, themed “Your Career Compass: Gain Clarity in Work and Business,” was held over the weekend in Yola and attracted a significant turnout of young men, women, and persons with special needs aged between 18 and 35, who are either working in or aspiring to work in agriculture, hospitality, or informal sectors.
In his welcome address, Olamide Adeyeye, Country Head of Programmes at Jobberman Nigeria, stated that the Adamawa Career Clinic was part of Jobberman’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusive employment and entrepreneurial pathways for young Nigerians.
“What we’re doing here in Adamawa is part of a larger commitment to equip young Nigerians with what they need to succeed, right where they are,” Adeyeye said.
He added that through the partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the initiative is reshaping how young people access opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship, and mindset with the goal of empowering them to become self-sufficient and future employers of labour.
Adeyeye further revealed that, so far, the ongoing skills acquisition programmes under the Young Nigeria Works Programme have positively impacted over 300,000 youths across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Juliana Omale, Lead Consultant at Innovate Highfliers Consulting Ltd., urged participants to think beyond survival and focus on growth.
“Clarity means more than knowing what you want. It’s about positioning yourself where opportunity exists in your skills, your business ideas, and how you present yourself to the world,” she said.
Dr. Omale emphasized that the Career Clinic served as a platform for job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those with 0 to 5 years of experience, to gain critical insights, build professional capacity, and receive tailored mentorship.
She noted that participants received practical guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, entrepreneurial thinking, and business model development to enable them to make informed career and business decisions.
She urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to safeguard and grow their businesses, not only for personal development but also for national progress.
The clinic featured two breakout sessions: one on Interview Etiquette and CV Reviews, which provided participants with strategies to create compelling résumés, ace interviews, and utilize digital tools in their job search; and another on Entrepreneurship Development, which focused on transforming business ideas into viable ventures, particularly in agriculture, crafts, and hospitality within Adamawa’s local economy.
In addition to the breakout sessions, attendees benefited from one-on-one career counseling and CV reviews, facilitated by Jobberman Youth Engagement officers, HR professionals, and experienced entrepreneurs.
“These personalized sessions gave participants the opportunity to receive honest feedback, identify gaps, and leave with a clearer roadmap for their professional journey,” Dr. Omale added.
Some participants who spoke with this reporter including John Anthony, Peninah Ishaku, and Fatima Musa expressed gratitude to the organizers and pledged to utilize the knowledge acquired in tackling the unemployment challenges facing the country.
Sahel Reporters News
