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

The Kwara State Government is actively encouraging its youth to pivot from the traditional pursuit of white-collar jobs towards entrepreneurship and skills acquisition. Ndanusa Shehu, the Commissioner for Youth Development, stressed the importance of self-reliance in a statement on Saturday, noting the scarcity of conventional employment opportunities.

Shehu advised young people to leverage available opportunities to develop marketable skills and explore entrepreneurial ventures. "Rather than focusing only on white-collar jobs, our young people should take advantage of opportunities to acquire skills, develop their talents and embrace entrepreneurship," he said. The commissioner highlighted that such a shift would not only lead to personal economic security but also contribute to broader job creation within the state.

“

Rather than focusing only on white-collar jobs, our young people should take advantage of opportunities to acquire skills, develop their talents and embrace entrepreneurship.

The ministry is collaborating with various stakeholders, including development partners and community organizations, to foster youth development. These efforts aim to channel youthful energy into productive activities and instill values necessary for successful ventures. Shehu also pointed to the agricultural sector as a significant area for youth engagement, emphasizing that participation doesn't require land ownership but can involve roles in processing, packaging, marketing, and logistics.

Furthermore, the state government is investing in infrastructure to support youth engagement, such as rehabilitating the Ilorin Stadium and constructing new facilities. These projects are intended to boost sports development and provide additional avenues for productive activities. The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is also being promoted, offering young graduates practical work experience with start-ups and organizations, thereby enhancing their employability.

“

Youths can explore opportunities in processing, packaging, marketing, logistics and other services within the agricultural value chain. They can build sustainable businesses around agriculture without necessarily going into the traditional practice of owning and cultivating farmland.