More than 1,000 youths have participated in a comprehensive one-day career and business development training organised by Jobberman Nigeria in partnership with MasterCard Foundation in Yola, Adamawa State capital.
The training, which attracted participants aged 18-35, saw significant representation from nursing mothers, young women, and people living with disabilities—comprising approximately 75% of attendees—all seeking to advance their career prospects and create new opportunities.
The initiative, part of the “Young Nigeria Works Programme” and themed: “Your Career Compass: Gain Clarity in Work and Business,” was specifically designed to provide direction and practical support for youth employment and entrepreneurship in Adamawa and Nigeria at large.
The programme particularly encouraged young people, especially women, to pursue opportunities in agriculture, hospitality, and other informal business sectors.
Speaking at the event, Olamide Adeyeye, Country Director of Jobberman Nigeria, emphasised the programme’s local impact focus.
“The Career Clinic served as a platform for young job seekers and entrepreneurs, particularly those with 0 to 5 years of experience, to gain critical insights, develop their professional capacity, and receive personalised guidance,” he said.
He added: “What we’re doing here in Adamawa is part of a larger commitment to equip young Nigerians with what they need to succeed, right where they are.
Through our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, we are reshaping how young people access opportunity—in jobs, in business, and in mindset.”
The training covered essential areas including CV writing, interview preparation, entrepreneurial thinking, and business model development, equipping participants with tools to make informed career and business decisions.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Juliana Omale challenged attendees to adopt a growth mindset beyond mere survival. “Clarity means more than knowing what you want. It is about positioning yourself where opportunity lives, whether that’s in your skills, your business idea, or how you show up to the world,” she stated.
The training received positive feedback from participants across different backgrounds. Hadiza Khalil, a nursing mother, expressed her gratitude: “I have gained valuable knowledge about how to improve my business without depending on others. As a single mother, with this awareness, I am confident that in the next few years, I will establish myself as a recognised brand in Nigeria.”
Adamuji Joseph, a physically challenged graduate, shared his renewed optimism: “Before today, I felt limited in what I could achieve, but with this training and awareness, I believe I can face any challenge. As a graduate, I will now apply for jobs using the right CV format, and I’m also considering starting my own small business as I have entrepreneurial aspirations.”
Alhassam Musa, a fresh university graduate who joined the entrepreneurship track, praised his experience with Jobberman’s programmes, whilst Miss Asete Ajayi, a secondary school graduate, noted: “Today is my first time attending such training. With this knowledge, I now think beyond just university education. I hope to use this knowledge to improve my mother’s business and develop my own entrepreneurial ideas to become an independent woman and help my siblings.”
The Career Clinic featured two concurrent breakout sessions: one on Interview Etiquette and CV Reviews, which gave participants insight into building standout resumes, mastering interviews, and leveraging digital tools for job searches; and the second on Entrepreneurship Development, which focused on turning ideas into viable ventures within Adamawa’s local economy, particularly in agriculture, crafts, and hospitality.
During the breakout sessions, attendees benefited from one-on-one career counselling and CV reviews, providing participants with individualised guidance for their career development journey. The training represents Jobberman Nigeria’s continued commitment to empowering young Nigerians with practical skills and knowledge necessary for success in today’s competitive job market and entrepreneurial landscape.
