The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has urged the Nigerian youth to prepare themselves for the challenges of a demanding labor market and to shift their mindset from being job seekers to becoming job creators.

The call was made during the Ibadan Employability Career Fair, which had the theme: ‘Transforming the Future of Work: Skills, Innovation, and Inclusion for a Resilient Workforce.’

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, described the programme as part of the body’s employability initiative, aimed at providing a platform for young Nigerian graduates and youths to enhance their skills and improve their chances of securing meaningful employment.

Oyerinde noted that the labour market remained challenging, with limited job opportunities and employers facing their own difficulties.

“Employers are looking for the best hands and talents to fill available positions, so youths must prepare themselves to be competitive,” Oyerinde said.

He added, “We are creating a platform to enhance the capacity of graduates so they can remain competitive and secure the kind of jobs they desire. We also bring employers willing and ready to employ closer to the graduates, enabling them to explore opportunities and gain employment.”

In her remarks, Chairperson of the Ibadan Geographical Group of NECA, Adenike Agiri, emphasised the need to create enabling environments that equip youths with the skills necessary to become the leaders Nigeria needs.

“While some unemployed graduates will secure jobs at this event and employers will fill vacancies, it is often difficult to find employable youths to meet organisational needs,” Agiri stated.

A participant at the event, Afolabi Ogedengbe, stressed the importance of youth employment in addressing social challenges. “Nigerian youths need to be employed to reduce restiveness, which will benefit the nation,” he said.