Young professionals and entrepreneurs have been urged to prioritise skills acquisition, digital visibility and global standards to remain competitive in an increasingly borderless world.  

The call was made during the Fasthire CareerFest held in Port Harcourt with the theme, “Borderless – Empowering Talents to Compete, Create, and Collaborate Globally.”
   
Convener and Lead of Fasthire, Richard Okiasi, said the initiative was designed to equip young Nigerians with the mindset and tools required to compete internationally without necessarily relocating abroad.
 
He said the event sought to bridge the gap between Nigerian potential and global opportunities by fostering skills, innovation and strategic positioning.
   
The keynote speaker and Chief Executive Officer of Silicon Africa Technologies, Ajah Excel, stressed that “ideas travel without visas,” urging participants to position themselves for global visibility.
   
He said many young people focus heavily on certificates rather than competence, noting that while “Nigeria rewards paper, the world rewards skill.”
     
Excel emphasised the need for professionals to build strong personal brands anchored on presence, positioning, consistency, credibility and institutional relevance.
   
He further encouraged participants to explore work and currency arbitrage, explaining that earning in stronger currencies while living in weaker economies could improve financial stability.
   
On her part, the Managing Director of Xavina Consulting Limited, Catherine Kadiri, urged attendees to develop the right mindset for global competitiveness.
   
Kadiri said careers are largely driven by intentional thinking and consistent action, adding that young professionals must embrace curiosity, self-development and continuous learning.
   
She advised participants to reflect on their long-term relevance, build authentic networks with cultural intelligence, and align job applications strictly with their skills and competencies.