Enugu career fair empowers 1000 youths, including disabled

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

Over 1,000 young people, including physically challenged youths, have benefited from the Enugu Career Fair organised by Jobberman Nigeria in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

The fair, held in Enugu, was designed to connect job seekers with employers while equipping them with practical skills to thrive in today’s labour market.

Head of Youth Engagement & Learning at Jobberman Nigeria, Innih Ikhide, said the initiative tapped into the state’s vibrant youth population.

“At Jobberman, we believe talent is everywhere. This fair gives young people, including those living with disabilities, the chance to connect with employers and secure dignified jobs,” Ikhide said.

Keynote speaker Francis Uka, General Manager of 100.3 Udoka FM and Chairman of CIPM Enugu Chapter, urged participants to combine technical know-how with soft skills, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking. He also stressed the need to embrace technology and artificial intelligence to boost visibility in the job market.

The State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Umunna Chuka, praised the organisers and promised government support, noting that the ministry had already trained over 1,000 youths and continues to run job and skills centres across the state.

“If we can partner with Jobberman and the Mastercard Foundation, unemployment will drop. Youths will not only be employable but also become job creators,” he said.

Highlights of the event included a panel on workforce strategies, a job-matching session that produced on-the-spot employment offers, and a trade fair where entrepreneurs who had completed Jobberman’s training showcased their products.

Job seekers described the event as life-changing. David Samuel said the sessions boosted his confidence, while Nnenna Igwe revealed she walked away with a job offer: “I didn’t just drop my CV; I got hired. This is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Entrepreneur Dr Joseph Omeje also noted he made sales and expanded his network at the fair.

The Enugu Career Fair reinforced Jobberman’s mission of tackling youth unemployment by connecting skills to opportunities and ensuring no one, especially the physically challenged, is left behind.