ReadyToWork is a flagship initiative of ReadyToLeadAfrica aimed at promoting job creation, workplace readiness, career development, and entrepreneurship skills among young people—particularly in underserved communities. The initiative seeks to equip youths with employability skills and sustainable vocational training, thereby reducing unemployment and enhancing national development.
Objectives:
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Reduce youth unemployment in Nigeria and Africa.
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Increase the percentage of skilled youth.
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Provide young people with tools and knowledge to hold public officials accountable for campaign promises.
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Promote civic participation and real-time governance monitoring using technology and local “PromiseFollowers.”
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Empower youth to demand better governance through informed advocacy.
Problem Context:
Nigeria faces high youth unemployment, with many young people not in education, employment, or training. Limited access to skills training and vocational education has hindered youth creativity and innovation. ReadyToWork addresses this by providing pathways to meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.
Launch Event – May 31, 2023 (Merit House, Maitama, Abuja):
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Over 100 participants from across Nigeria.
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Keynote speeches, panel discussions, and an assessment center to evaluate and connect participants with skill-building opportunities.
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Goodwill messages acknowledged the program’s potential to address youth unemployment, promote civic engagement, and empower underserved communities.
Support and Endorsements:
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YALI Network Abuja: Emphasized ReadyToWork as a tool for empowerment and economic transformation.
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Abuja Global Shapers: Highlighted the urgent need to address youth unemployment (projected at nearly 40% by end of 2023) and promote entrepreneurship.
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Palladium (SCALE Project): Recognized the initiative’s role in building capacity for civic engagement, particularly among youth, women, and Persons With Disabilities.
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LEAP Africa & NYFF: Encouraged participants to seek further support and opportunities through their platforms
ReadyToWORK Panel Session
Topic: “Networking Strategies for Job Seekers”
Panelists:
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Chimdi Neliaku
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Murkhtar Modibbo
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Ezekiel Yusuf
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Emmanuel Njoku
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Host: Princess Ukpa (ReadyToLeadAfrica)
Key Themes:
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Networking: A powerful tool for accessing job opportunities.
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Core Skills for Graduates: Willingness to learn, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, communication.
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Employer Relations: Build credibility and offer value before expecting responsibility.
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Social Media Strategy: Use platforms to gain visibility, share expertise, and connect with industry leaders.
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Emotional Intelligence: Essential for impactful and lasting networking connections.
Trade Fair (Supporting ReadyToWork & ReadyToTrade)
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Featured entrepreneurs who promoted their businesses and products.
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Served as a platform for exposure, partnerships, and sales.
Conclusion
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The launch of ReadyToWork and ReadyToTRADE successfully empowered youth with actionable knowledge on employment, entrepreneurship, and trade.
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The event connected young people with peers, experts, and policymakers to foster innovation, collaboration, and continental progress.