By Correspondent in Lafia.
More than 2,000 fresh graduates from Nigeria’s North-Central have been empowered with digital entrepreneurship skills and monthly stipends of N100,000 each under the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP).
Mr. Yomi Olufiade, Programme Manager of the North-Central Talents Management Company (TMC), disclosed this during a town hall meeting and induction ceremony for newly selected NJFP fellows held Friday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
According to Olufiade, the inductees will be attached to local host organizations for a 12-month paid internship and will be equipped with savings to launch their own businesses post-training.
He noted that several past fellows who excelled during their internships were retained by their host organizations, a testament to the programme’s impact.
“The town hall meeting offers a unique platform to reflect on our collective progress, share success stories, and inspire new ideas to expand the programme’s reach and effectiveness,” Olufiade said.
He emphasized that the NJFP is a Federal Government initiative, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU), aimed at tackling youth unemployment and nurturing talent.
“As an implementing partner, we match selected fellows with local job opportunities, helping to build their expertise through practical, world-class training
” The programme seeks to unlock the boundless potential of Nigerian youths, eliminate the ‘Japa’ mindset, and foster a culture of innovation where no talent goes to waste,” he added.
Olufiade also revealed that TMC is responsible for coordinating the programme across the six North-Central states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Tasiu Kwaplong, CEO of O2 Innovations Lab, and Mr. Asher Jocos, CEO of Harley Innovation Hub, expressed appreciation to TMC for the ongoing partnership.
They praised the quality of graduates posted to their organizations, noting their training in technology, research, and development.
Some of the current fellows also shared their testimonials. Usman Umar, assigned to the Nasarawa Digital Hub, and Glory Isaac, with O2 Innovations Lab, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating that the digital skills acquired have positioned them to compete globally.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
