By Eberechi Obinagwam
A non governmental organisation, Shun Unemployment, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment has trained 50 youths on different skills in Lagos.
The youths were trained for two months on different skills, including web development, UIX Design, Digital Marketing, photography, Emotional and Finance Intelligence through its project: U-Ten.
At the graduation ceremony held on May 24 in Lagos, participants were given certificates alongside financial support.
Head of operations, Olotu Fumilayo Arinola said the foundation aims at reducing youth unemployment in Nigeria and Africa by creating an empowerment platform through a model consisting of three integrated ideas; Train, Empower and Nurture coming together to form ‘TEN’. “This is in recognition of the widely accepted fact that Africa youth is gifted, talented and endowed with creativity but with little or no effort to enhance them,” she said.
Arinola also disclosed that this is the third batch in its training series, adding that the next batch will be announced soon.
According to her, 100 people applied for the batch C Shun Unemployment project, but 50 were selected due to capacity of the training center, “We have scheduled the other 50 people that were not privileged to be part of the third batch for Batch D that is coming up soon,” she said.
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She encouraged the graduating students to put into work all they have learned because that is the only way to achieve success. “I was also a beneficiary of this project. I met them during my service year in Ibadan. The skill I learned then, graphics design is helping me today and I am grateful that they did not stopped impacting on youths, they still continued, ” she said.
Also, founder of the foundation, Mayowa John Ajibodu, while congratulating the participants encouraged them to keep practicing whatever they learnt and keep learning. He thanked the facilitators for being so kind to share their proof of knowledge.
He noted that the foundation will not stop at this, but will help all participants secure their first jobs that will enable them stand.
According to him, participants, undergraduates, and artisans, through the instrumentality of the platform be encouraged to start off on their own with or without seeking white-collar employment. “The discovery and support of the passionate and talented youth entrepreneur can birth brilliant ideas into profitable and sustainable businesses, which will, in turn, create jobs as well as other entrepreneurs,” he said.
Earlier, Deputy director, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Yusuf Olatemitope O, urged the participants to use their skills to make positive impact in their communities and never stop learning and growing while thanking the organisers and facilitators for a job well done.
She noted that the government will keep supporting the foundation in whichever way to ensure that unemployment is shun in the state and the nation.
For one of the facilitators, Olatunji Alonge, the opportunity to learn the skills of Emotional Intelligence provided by SHUN Unemployment Foundation is one of the most outstanding moves to show genuine interest in making youth employable and even become employers of labour.
He said as one of the facilitators of emotional Intelligence, it is so fulfilling to see that another army has been released into the world to win over self for our general good.
Giving his advice to the graduating students, he said, “top among the skills of the future is Emotional Intelligence and as a matter of fact, it is leading the chart as a skill of the moment.”
According to him, technology will come and go, science will improve and transform but that feeling of love, hatred, joy or sadness among others will never change. ” So, it is important to understand how to maximise such things as emotion if we must remain relevant.”
“Now, you have this skill in the finest form you can think of and it is like your muscles, if you don’t use it, it gets stiff and ineffective but if you use it, it becomes strong and useful. Use this skill for yourself and to help the world around you. And do not forget, that treasure requires treasure to treasure,”
Web development facilitator, Ramadan Mohammed, urged the participants to go and rebrand themselves with the knowledge they have gained. “Web development is very wide. It is needful you identify your niche and create good content that will engage people,” he said.
According to him, he has been with Shun Unemployment since 2018 and he is pleased with what the foundation is doing in empowering the youths to become better people in the society and to shun unemployment in Nigeria.
“At the heart of Project U-TEN is our commitment to offering free training, as well as providing financial and material support to individuals in rural communities throughout the state,” he said.
The participants also expressed their joy for the privilege
Usman Yusuf, a certified Photographer, Emotional and Financial Intelligence thanked the foundation for their tireless efforts in empowering individuals and communities. “Your impactful initiatives have not only provided economic opportunities but also instilled hope and confidence in countless lives. Through your work, I have witnessed transformation and growth, and I am inspired by the dedication to creating a brighter future for all.”
Adding, he encouraged youths to believe in themselves and potential, “Don’t let unemployment discourage you. Keep learning, growing, and exploring opportunities. Build skills, network, and volunteer to gain experience. Stay positive, persistent, and open-minded. Remember, every setback is a chance to learn and come back stronger. You are the future, and your contributions matter,” he advised.
Chioma Maryann Akujekwesi, a certified Digital Marketer said: “Thank You Shun Unemployment for this wonderful opportunity. Am so grateful. God will continually increase this foundation in every area and bring partners to support the foundation. Amen. With this two months training, I have been able to create a business page that is running smoothly. I have also learned how to control my emotions through the Emotional Intelligence class that Shun Unemployment offered.”
Fortunatus Cookey, another graduand said he gained invaluable skills that have transformed his career, “I am now the founder of Digital Pro, a venture dedicated to helping businesses harness the power of digital marketing, courtesy Shun Unemployment. I am incredibly grateful.”
Ismaila James Lateef from UI/UX class, said the training program was comprehensive, well-structured, and expertly delivered. “I gained invaluable insights and practical skills that have boosted my confidence and employability. The trainers and mentors were exceptional in their guidance and support, creating a conducive learning environment that fostered growth and development. Accept my heart felt gratitude and appreciation.”
