Look beyond white-collar jobs, embrace entrepreneurship, Kwara urges youths

Kwara State’s Commissioner for Youth Development, Ndanusa Shehu, has called on young people to move away from traditional white-collar jobs and instead focus on developing marketable skills and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. The urging came during a public address in Ilorin on Saturday, where Shehu emphasized the importance of alternative pathways for economic stability and growth among the youth. Shehu noted that the scarcity of conventional job opportunities has made it essential for young people to diversify their approaches to employment. He encouraged them to invest in acquiring skills that align with current market demands and to consider starting their own businesses. This shift, according to Shehu, would not only help individuals achieve financial independence but also contribute to creating employment opportunities for others. In addition to promoting entrepreneurship, Shehu stressed the role of community and faith-based organizations in guiding youths toward meaningful careers. These groups, he said, should actively mentor young people, instilling in them the discipline and ethical standards required for successful ventures. The commissioner also pointed out that many opportunities exist outside of traditional farming, particularly in areas such as food processing, packaging, marketing, and logistics within the agricultural sector. Young people, he explained, do not have to own land to participate meaningfully in agriculture. Instead, they can engage in various segments of the agricultural value chain, building sustainable businesses without being tied to the conventional model of land ownership. This approach, he argued, opens up more flexible and accessible avenues for economic participation. To support these efforts, the Kwara State government is implementing several initiatives designed to foster youth engagement and development. Among these projects is the rehabilitation of the Ilorin Stadium and the construction of new sporting facilities in Lafiagi and Offa. These infrastructure developments aim to promote sports and offer additional platforms for young people to get involved in productive activities. Another key initiative is the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, through which young graduates gain hands-on experience working with startups and other organizations. Participants earn a salary while receiving valuable training, enhancing their employability and preparing them for longer-term career paths. Shehu highlighted how this program provides crucial exposure that can lead to greater professional success. The Ministry of Youth Development has also formed partnerships with several institutions, including the National Stored Products Research Institute, the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Bank of Agriculture. These collaborations are intended to strengthen youth development programs and support agribusiness initiatives that benefit both individuals and the broader economy. Shehu reiterated his call for young people to seize existing opportunities, acquire relevant skills, and explore business ideas that could secure their economic futures. His message underscores the growing recognition of entrepreneurship and skill acquisition as vital tools for addressing unemployment and fostering economic resilience among the youth.