The Federal Government, in partnership with the
European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP), has launched the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows
Programme (NJFP 2.0) to equip young graduates with practical work
experience, training, and mentorship.
Vice President Kashim Shettima
formally flagged off the programme on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa,
Abuja, describing it as a strategic move to bridge the gap between learning
and earning for thousands of Nigerian youths.
Shettima said the initiative was designed to translate
the nation’s demographic strength “into productive economic power,” adding that
when the government provides structure and purpose, “young Nigerians rise to
the occasion.”
He noted that while the NJFP is a Nigerian initiative
aligned with national priorities, the administration of President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu intends to strengthen its sustainability by integrating it into the
country’s national planning and budgeting systems.
“This government will ensure that our financial
commitment reflects our belief in the programme’s transformative potential. But
national ownership must also mean national participation,” Shettima stated.
Public-Private Partnership Drive
The Vice President urged collaboration between the
government, private sector, and development partners to tackle youth
unemployment, calling for the creation of a $220 million NJFP Basket Fund
to ensure long-term financing for the programme.
“Our immediate goal is to raise $220 million — not as
charity, but as an investment in our most valuable asset: our young people,” he
said.
Shettima appealed to the EU, UNDP, and other partners
to view the programme’s relaunch as proof that youth employment is a shared
responsibility.
“The young Nigerians we seek to serve are not asking
for handouts — only for a fair system that recognises effort, rewards merit,
and provides opportunity. They are ready to build if we are ready to back
them,” he added.
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