BREAKING‼️ GOV. SOLUDO FLAGS OFF WOSCONET/JOBBERMAN “YOUNG AFRICA WORKS PROJECT” WORKPLACE READINESS AND EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS TRAINING IN ANAMBRA

 

…Initiative targets youth empowerment, workplace readiness and economic opportunities under the Young Africa Works Project_

AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE | OCTOBER 28, 2026

The Anambra State Government, in partnership with the Women Support Women Community Network (WOSCONET) and Jobberman Nigeria, has officially flagged off the Workplace Readiness and Employability Skills Training Project under the _Young Africa Works Project_. The event, held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, brought together government officials, traditional rulers, youth leaders, civil society representatives and other stakeholders committed to strengthening employability and preparing young people for the demands of the modern workplace.

The initiative reflects WOSCONET’s continued commitment to human capital development, with its founder, **Hon. Amb. Amaka Nweke**, playing a key role in advancing programmes that promote skills acquisition, personal development and economic opportunities. Through its partnership with Jobberman Nigeria, the network seeks to equip participants with practical workplace skills, professional competencies and the confidence required to navigate an increasingly competitive employment landscape.

Speaking on behalf of Jobberman Nigeria, Mr. Innih Ikhide, Head of Youth Engagement and Learning, highlighted the importance of equipping young people with relevant workplace readiness and employability skills to improve their access to meaningful economic opportunities. He was part of the Jobberman team at the event alongside **Ms. Esther Obele, Youth Engagement and Learning Associate**, and Ms. Glory Aiyegbeni, MERL Lead, Jobberman. The team’s participation underscored Jobberman’s role in the partnership and its commitment to supporting young people with practical competencies needed to navigate recruitment processes, workplace relationships and career progression.

The collaboration between WOSCONET and Jobberman Nigeria brings together community-focused development efforts and private-sector expertise in employability training. Under the Young Africa Works Project, the workplace readiness programme seeks to bridge the gap between education, skills acquisition and workplace expectations while preparing participants for the realities of the modern labour market.

Rev. Chukwuemerie Ezume, Project Coordinator, provided an overview of WOSCONET’s role in the Young Africa Works Project, highlighting the organisation’s contribution to advancing the initiative’s objectives of youth empowerment, workplace readiness and employability skills development. The overview underscored WOSCONET’s commitment to preparing young people for the world of work through strategic partnerships and programmes designed to expand access to economic opportunities.

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo was represented at the event by the Honourable Commissioner for Youths and Sports, **Hon. Patrick Agha**, who conveyed the state government’s position on the importance of equipping young people with relevant skills for employment and productivity. In his remarks on behalf of the governor, he emphasised the importance of investing in human capital, promoting employability and creating opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic development. The initiative aligns with the broader need to bridge the gap between education, skills acquisition and workplace expectations.

The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs Esther Chinyere Onyegesi, was among the notable government officials present. Her participation underscored the relevance of skills development and economic empowerment to inclusive growth, particularly in expanding opportunities for women and other groups within the community. The programme also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government institutions, development organisations and private-sector partners in creating sustainable pathways to employment and professional advancement.

Comr. Patience Uche-Udo, President of WOSCONET, was among the key figures at the event. Her participation highlighted the network’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen workplace preparedness, professional growth and access to economic opportunities. The event reinforced the importance of equipping beneficiaries with practical skills that go beyond academic qualifications, including effective communication, teamwork, professional conduct and the ability to adapt to changing workplace demands.

WOSCONET founder, Hon. Amb. Amaka Nweke, continues to champion initiatives aimed at promoting skills development, youth empowerment and greater access to economic opportunities through strategic partnerships and community-focused interventions.

The programme attracted traditional and local government leadership, including HRM, Igwe Dr. Sir Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, JP, OKE-EBO II of the Umueri Kingdom, whose presence reflected the importance of community leadership in supporting youth development and employability initiatives. Also represented were the Mayor of Dunukofia Local Government Area, Barr. Chijioke C. Ozumba, and the Deputy Mayor, Hon. Mrs Lilian Chinweze, who was represented at the event by Hon. Mrs Nkechi Emeh. Their participation highlighted the role of local government institutions in complementing state-level efforts to promote skills development and community advancement.

Other dignitaries at the event included Comrade Ken Okoli, President-General of ASTUC Youth; Dr. Nelson Omenugha, SPAD on Youth Reformation, represented by Udeh Edwin Chukwuma; and Prince Chris Azor, Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network and Co-Chair of the Open Government Partnership. Comrade Obi Ibegbunam, Former APGA State Assistant Publicity Secretary and SA on Petroleum and Mr. Michael Osiagor, Technical Manager, was also among those present, alongside other stakeholders drawn from different sectors across Anambra State. Their attendance demonstrated the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in strengthening workforce development, promoting employability and supporting young people as they prepare to enter or advance within the labour market.

The Young Africa Works Project focuses on expanding young people’s access to economic opportunities by improving the skills and competencies needed to secure and sustain employment. The workplace readiness programme is expected to support participants in developing the professional attributes required to navigate recruitment processes, workplace relationships and career progression.

As the project takes off in Anambra State, stakeholders will be looking towards effective implementation, meaningful participation and tangible outcomes for beneficiaries. The flag-off marks another step in the collective effort to strengthen employability, promote inclusive economic participation and prepare young people for a changing world of work.

*FOUNTAINCARE MEDIA