Youths Tasked On Entrepreneurship To Address Unemployment

Nigerian youths have been urged to embrace entrepreneurship, effective use of technology and other income-generating opportunities rather than wait endlessly for white-collar jobs.

The charge was given at the weekend during the second edition of the Youth Network 2.0 as part of efforts to address youth unemployment and equip young Nigerians with practical skills for economic independence.

At the workshop, the organiser and chief executive officer of Kay-Steph Group, Dr Kolawole Emmanuel Omolayo, said the initiative was designed to provide young people with practical skills and opportunities to become economically productive.

He said the programme was aimed at tackling youth unemployment and keeping young Nigerians engaged in productive activities.

According to Omolayo, current economic realities require youths to explore available opportunities while waiting for their desired employment, urging them to start small businesses and develop alternative sources of income.

Omolayo also urged youths to view Nigeria’s large population as an economic advantage, stressing that businesses that provide solutions to people’s needs would always have a market.

Also, psychologist and mental health expert, Bethuel Fiwuka, urged youths to prioritise their mental health and develop healthy coping mechanisms as they pursue their personal and career goals.

Fiwuka stressed the importance of mental wellbeing, emotional intelligence and resilience in building a successful future, noting that young people should be intentional about protecting their mental health.

“There should be no shame in seeking help when you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to cope mentally. Help is not only for those people who are out there on the streets; it is for everyone,” she said.

She urged youths to take deliberate steps to protect their mental well-being and avoid situations that could jeopardise their health, while encouraging them to seek professional help whenever they are unable to cope with emotional or psychological challenges.

On his part, a resource person, Joseph Archibong, called on young people to develop the right mindset, remain consistent and maximise opportunities provided by technology to build sustainable careers and businesses.

He urged youths to cultivate consistency, build meaningful relationships and remain mentally prepared to seize opportunities when they arise.

“Don’t waste your youthfulness. The phone you have is an asset, not a liability. Start with what you have and use it to create opportunities for yourself,” he said.