NECA, ILO, UNICEF, Others Task Graduate Job Seekers on Green Economy Skills

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the UNICEF has advised job seekers, especially young graduates, to acquire green economy skills that will enhance their employability in the emerging green and sustainable economy.

They gave this advice yesterday during the NECA’s “Job and Employability Fair 2024” that was held at NECA’s secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos State, with the theme “The Green Economy: The New Frontiers for Job Creation and Employability.”

The Gender and Development Manager, UNICEF, Ms. Takudzwa Kanyangarara, said that there is a big demand for green jobs globally whereas green skills are actually in short supply.

Kanyangarar said: “Demand is growing for those with green jobs’ skills twice as workers with the skills and those with green kills are more likely to be hired.

“But 66 per cent of the green talent pools are made up of men, meaning that women are underrepresented.

“We are very much committed to working with the government and the private sector to really support young people on their pathway from learning to earning.”

The President of NECA, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, said that this year’s fair was organized to explore the boundless opportunities presented by the emerging green economy and its transformative potential in shaping the future of employment in Nigeria.

Adeniyi said: “The green economy has the power to not only create millions of new jobs but also to foster social inclusion, reduce inequality and promote environmental stewardship.

“It is a pathway toward a more resilient, equitable and prosperous future for all Nigerians.”

He told members of NYSC and other job seekers that they have the opportunity to connect with wide range of employers representing various industries and sectors.

“I encourage you take advantage of this unique platform to showcase your skills, experience and unique talents as you engage with job recruiters,” he said.

The Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and ECOWAS Secretariat, Dr. Vanessa Phala, who was represented at the job fair by the National Project Coordinator, ILO, Mr. Stephen Agugua, said that the move toward green and sustainable economy is propelled by the negative effects of climate change, which is one of the biggest challenges humankind is facing today.

Agugua said: “This is one of the reasons the whole world is turning to sustainable businesses and green economy. This event gives us a tip on where the future is going to. I enjoin you that the future is the green jobs. So, as you are thinking ahead you ought to be thinking in that direction.

“Many opportunities in this sustainable business include renewable energy, trading, smart climate agriculture etc. These are some of the areas where we can find green jobs. And as you are here, I enjoin you to take maximum opportunities that are presented here today.”

The Director General of National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr. Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, who was represented by Director, Inspectorate Department, Mr. Folarin K. Martins, said that the wealth of experience that would be shared during the job fair would enlighten job seekers on employment opportunities, and foster their toward embracing the opportunities provided by green economy.

Fikpo said: “Furthermore as the nation finds itself in a crucial intersection of environmental sustainability and economic opportunities the shift towards green employment presents us with immense potential for innovation, growth and most importantly job creation.”

The Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said that the job fair is NECA’s corporate social responsibility efforts to addressing the rising problem of unemployment in Nigeria.

Oyerinde said: “For our job seekers, this event is is a launchpad to a future filled with purpose and satisfaction. Here, under one roof, you will encounter a dynamic array of companies and organisations, each eager to connect with talented individuals like yourselves.”

He added that feedback from previous job fairs “has been positive as job seekers affirmed receiving commendable job offers.”

The Chairperson, Committee of Human Resources and Learning Experts, NECA, Mr. Steve Olayinka, advised job seekers that their attitude will either position them at “opportunity is now here” or “opportunity is not here.”  

Olayinka urged them to take our learning beyond what they have been taught in schools in order to fit in into the new job space “because the job description we had many years ago is no longer the description of jobs today.

“We got to understand what the new definition of job is. Do not limit yourself to the skills you have learnt at schools because opportunities can explode and take you beyond your dreams.

“We have to develop the attitude that makes us acceptable in the workplace. We have many people that have good grades academically but low attitude to work,” he said.

A member of the National Youth Service Corps and a graduate of Industrial Chemistry from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Mr. David Adegbaye, who participated in the job fair, told THISDAY that the job fair is an opportunity to meet companies and know the career opportunities that they could offer and how he could position himself for them.

“This fair can create an opportunity for us to know what it will take to get jobs after our NYSC’s year,” Adagbaye said.