Experts task youths on creativity, skill acquisition to tackle poverty

Entrepreneurial experts have advised Nigerian youths to rise above recession and create ideas and skills that would make them less dependent on white-collar jobs.

The experts, who spoke at the Uche Ahubelem Centre for Human Development forum in Lagos expressed concerns over the increasing level of poverty and unemployment in the country.

Speaking on Succeeding in Recession, they enjoined the youths to prepare their future today, urging them to tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience available at the forum.

Chief Executive Officer and Lead Consultant, Thistle Prixis Consulting Limited, Ini Abimbola, admonished Nigerian youths to take advantage of opportunities that would equip them with skills and make them independent of paid employment when they graduate from school.

She said during recessions, people shift away from dependence on paid jobs and join in creating solutions through their gifts and talents.

“It is tough being an average unemployed Nigerian, but you have to understand that taking yourself out of that situation is your own responsibility and not the government’s or society’s,” she added.

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Advantage Health Africa, Abimbola Adebakin, urged youths to strive to become employers of labour, noting that the organisers were clearly poised to achieve that which the country needed most.

She also charged young people to create original products that are unique and competitive.

An Emotions and Behavioral Coach, Lanre Olusola, urged youths to develop their emotional intelligence and create proper financial plans that would align with their vision.

“Young people must take action but knowing the right steps to take at every point is key. You must take the first steps in the right direction and ensure that you are consistent with those steps and actions,” he added.