As part of its commitment to ensuring that no young person is left behind in accessing dignified work, Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has organised a Career Fair for over 500 forcibly displaced persons in Benue State under the Young Africa Works strategy.

Implemented in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Benue State Government, the Career Fair connected participants with employers, career coaches, entrepreneurship opportunities, financial inclusion partners, and employability support designed to help them rebuild sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking at the event, Oladoyin Kolawole, Strategy Team Lead at Jobberman Nigeria, said the initiative reflects Jobberman’s commitment to creating inclusive pathways to employment for vulnerable and marginalised populations.

“At Jobberman, we believe that a person’s circumstances should never define their future. Through our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, we are intentionally expanding access to skills development, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and career guidance for young people who have been displaced by conflict and other vulnerabilities.”

She explained that the Career Fair was designed to do more than connect participants to jobs.

“Our goal is to inspire a mindset shift. We want participants to recognise the value of the skills they already possess, identify new opportunities for growth, and understand that they can build sustainable careers and businesses despite the challenges they have faced. This is what dignified work is about, creating opportunities for people to regain confidence, independence, and hope.”

Kolawole noted that Benue remains one of Nigeria’s most affected states by internal displacement, making inclusive employment interventions increasingly important.

She added that Jobberman’s collaboration with the Benue State Government has continued to deliver meaningful outcomes, including employability training and job placement initiatives for young people across the state.

Representing the Benue State Government, Mrs. Beauty Adaikwu commended Jobberman, the Mastercard Foundation, UNHCR, and all partners for creating practical pathways to economic inclusion for displaced communities.

“This Career Fair is timely because it provides displaced persons with access to employers, career guidance, skills matching, and livelihood opportunities. These interventions strengthen resilience, restore dignity, and empower vulnerable populations to become economically independent,” she said.

Also speaking, Beatrice Shomker, Senior Field Associate at the UNHCR Makurdi Office, said the partnership aligns with UNHCR’s broader shift from humanitarian assistance towards long-term development and durable solutions.

“Our goal is to ensure that forcibly displaced persons are not permanently dependent on humanitarian aid but are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to become self-reliant. Jobberman brings proven expertise in employment and career development, making this collaboration an important step towards sustainable livelihoods for displaced communities.”

For participants, the impact of the Career Fair extended beyond employment opportunities.

Samson Ujata, a recent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) graduate currently volunteering at a hospital while seeking full-time employment, described the experience as life-changing.

“Today’s Career Fair was a real eye-opener for me. I learnt how to better manage my skills and even how to start a small business. As a survivor, I now realise I can build something that goes beyond my experiences and create a sustainable future for myself.”

He added that the employability sessions reinforced the importance of continuous learning and personal development.

“One of my biggest takeaways was that opportunities come to those who are prepared. I now understand the need to deliberately build my communication, leadership, and other soft skills so that I can maximise every opportunity that comes my way.”

The Benue Career Fair forms part of Jobberman’s broader commitment under the Mastercard Foundation‘s Young Africa Works strategy to equip young Nigerians, particularly women and marginalised groups, with the skills, opportunities, and support required to secure dignified and fulfilling work. Through strategic partnerships and inclusive interventions, Jobberman continues to strengthen employment ecosystems that leave no one behind.

From Samson Kukwa-Yanor, Makurdi