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FG, Stakeholders Move to Deal with Unemployment

By on October 12, 2012

 

The Federal Government and stakeholders in several sectors of the economy will tackle the unemployment tight spot in the country at a 2-day conference tagged “The Employment Summit 2012”.

The conference,scheduled to hold in Lagos from October 30 to 31, 2012, will be attended by representatives of the Federal Government, policy makers, analysts, and stakeholders. It is expected to proffer lasting solutions to the unemployment problems in the country and create job opportunities for unemployed Nigerians.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga and that of Labour and productivity Mr. Emeka Wogu will lead the FG team at the conference. The stakeholders and the FG delegation will map out strategies to help Nigeria succeed with its vision 20 2020 regarding job creation.

According to Ronke Kosoko, the Executive Director, Employment Clinic, some notable personalities expected at the summit are, the Director General (DG), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi, The Chief Executive of Sahara Energy Group, Mr. Tonye Cole, The DG, National Power Training Institute, Dr. Reuben Okeke, and former Commissioner for Transport, Prof. Bamidele Badejo.

Others are, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Chief Ladi Jadesinmi, Professor Pat Utomi, Chairman LADOL and other business leaders from different sectors of the economy.

According to Kosoko, the theme of the conference as “Nigeria’s Employment and Human Capital Crisis: Turning the Tide.”

“Nigeria is obviously at a threshold in its history as a nation, with vast human and natural resources, an economic growth of about 7 percent, influx of private sector investments across all industries, over 40.6 percent of her youths are still however unemployed,” she said.

According to her, the country is also faced with serious security issues, and the shortage of skilled personnel is a major risk to industrial growth.

“Nigeria today spends N960 billion annually on the importation of artisans. Our educational system is at an all time low with a growing gap between the school system and the industry, enormous skill gaps across industries. Human Capital is undeniably the greatest asset of every nation and there is an urgent need to balance the right skills with growth opportunity,” she stressed.

Kosoko noted that the assignment of putting 40 million jobless Nigerians back to work goes ahead of an administration.

“It demands the contribution of all stakeholders. The industries, the academia, employers, job seekers, multinationals, NGOs, and religious organizations will be providing thought leadership on the employment situation in the country at the Employment Summit 2012,” she said.

She said the conference would expose participants to incredible prospects that exist across industries.