The Kwara State Government has urged young people to look beyond traditional white-collar employment and explore skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, technology and other emerging sectors as pathways to economic independence.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Ambassador Ndanusa Usman Shehu, made the call while speaking on The Platform, a government accountability programme aired on Midland FM in Ilorin.
Ndanusa said the limited availability of conventional jobs made it important for young people to develop practical skills, identify opportunities around them and pursue ventures capable of generating income and creating employment for others.
He encouraged youths to take advantage of available opportunities to develop their talents and build sustainable livelihoods rather than relying solely on academic qualifications or waiting for government employment.
According to him, young people can explore several areas, including entrepreneurship, digital technology, vocational trades, agriculture and other emerging sectors.
The commissioner also highlighted opportunities within the agricultural value chain, stressing that youths do not necessarily have to engage directly in farming. He said they could participate in processing, packaging, marketing, logistics and other support services.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Youth Development has partnerships with organisations and institutions including the National Stored Products Research Institute, Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute, Central Bank of Nigeria and Bank of Agriculture to support youth development and agribusiness initiatives.
Ndanusa also encouraged young people to identify problems within their communities and develop solutions that could become viable businesses.
The commissioner said the state government remained committed to creating opportunities that would enable young Kwarans to become productive and self-reliant, while urging youths to take responsibility for their economic future.
He stressed that practical skills and entrepreneurship could not only help young people secure livelihoods but also position them to become employers of labour and contribute to the economic development of Kwara State.
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