THE Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, under the leadership of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Princess Olabisi Adebajo, has shown its commitment to providing a platform for gainful employment to youth and other residents of the area by hosting a Talent Fair at the council Secretariat.
While speaking during the Talent Fair organised in conjunction with the German Corporation for International Cooperation and other job-seeking companies, Princess Adebajo stated that the initiative was designed to showcase the various talents and skills possessed by the participants, to secure at least six months of internship with relevant companies.
According to her, the council recently conducted a successful ICT training for the youth to empower them and make them self-reliant, emphasising that nothing can be achieved in the present smart world without such knowledge.
She, therefore, urged participants at the Talent Fair to fully showcase their innate talents and acquired skills during the interview sessions to maximise their opportunities.
Olabisi Adebajo also encouraged residents interested in acquiring computer training to enrol at the council at no cost. The council Boss expressed the view that the Federal Government alone cannot provide jobs for all Nigerians, which is why the council is partnering with relevant bodies to help bridge the gap.
On his part, the Vice-Chairman of the Council, Dayo Oshinowo, described the Talent Fair as an ideal platform for providing networking opportunities for the people of the area.
Meanwhile, Maureen Ovie, the Head of the Job Centre at the Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment in Lagos, reiterated that the mandate of the Ministry is to ensure that all Nigerians, especially the youth, secure job opportunities. She noted that another mandate of the Ministry is to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the country.
Maureen Ovie explained that the Ministry welcomes collaboration with like-minded organisations to establish progressive partnerships that uncover hidden talents in youth. She also advised the participants to be observant and to bring out the best in themselves, while thanking the employers for allowing them to grow the nation’s economy.
The Deputy Director of the Labour Ministry encouraged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the current situation, adding that the country’s abundant talents, if well harnessed, could change the narrative. She cautioned against making unguarded and ill-informed decisions to travel abroad, noting that every society faces its unique challenges.
The HR/Talent Lead of the 8th Gear Hub, Loretta Udemba, said that the Talent Fair was aimed at bridging the gap in the job crisis facing the country. She acknowledged that the requirement for relevant experience could pose a challenge to some applicants but emphasised that there are no limitations for those with original talents.
According to her, what the labour market needs is for applicants to add value through the skills they have already acquired and showcase these skills to secure job opportunities.
During the panel session, Ayomikun Olugbode, the Programme Component Manager of GIZ, urged the participants to take full advantage of the forum.
Some of the participants thanked the leadership of the council for empowering them to contribute their quota to the overall development of society.