The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has urged Nigerian youths to equip themselves for the realities of a tough labour market and to shift their focus from seeking jobs to creating opportunities.

The call was made during the Ibadan Employability Career Fair themed “Transforming the Future of Work, Skills, Innovation, and Inclusion for a Resilient Workforce”.

The event, held at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including the Director-General of NECA, Mr. Wale-Smatt Oyerinde.

Speaking at the event, Oyerinde described the programme as part of NECA’s employability initiative designed to help young Nigerian graduates and job seekers enhance their skills and improve their chances of securing meaningful employment.

He noted that the labour market remains highly competitive, with limited job openings and employers also facing operational challenges.

“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 hire closer to the graduates, enabling them to explore opportunities and gain employment.”

The Ibadan edition marks the sixth in NECA’s employability series, following previous events in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.

The association also plans to hold another career fair next week at the State House, Abuja, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In her remarks, Chairperson of the Ibadan Geographical Group of NECA, Adenike Agiri, stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment that equips youths with the skills needed to become productive leaders.

“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 said.

A participant, Afolabi Ogedengbe, highlighted the link between employment and national stability.

“Nigerian youths need to be employed to reduce restiveness, which will benefit the nation,” he said.