EnterpriseNGR unveils youths’ internship programme to bridge skills gap  

EnterpriseNGR, a professional advocacy group championing the transformation of Nigeria to the premier financial services center in Africa, on Thursday announced the launch of their Youth of Enterprise (YOE) Internship Programme designed to help address national youth unemployment and enhance Nigeria’s future productive capacity.

Currently, about 55 per cent of unemployed Nigerians are youth aged 15 – 34 years. This is indicative of an apparent gap in youth employability that needs to be addressed. Through the YOE Internship Programme, EnterpriseNGR seeks to improve the employability of Nigerian youth.

The Programme aims to improve the skillsets, professional competence, and employability of young graduates. YOE participants will obtain invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that will position them for meaningful career journeys.

In his welcome address, Chairman of EnterpriseNGR, Mr. Aigboje Aig Imoukhuede speaking virtually said: “We are building a new narrative of a better Nigeria and an approach toward a strengthened economy. We are confident that our private sector expertise combined with the support of our member firms, stakeholders, employers of labour and international donors will make the YOE Programme a success.”

Obi Ibekwe, CEO of Enterprise NGR noted that the programme has received massive support since it was launched.

“It’s wonderful to see the positive feedback and uptake we have recorded among key employers in the Financial and Professional Services sector and other industries since the launch of the YOE Programme.

“YOE participants will be rigorously screened and equipped with the requisite employability skills to make them ideal candidates for direct recruitment into the workforce or any graduate development programmes offered by employers,” Ibekwe said.

Employers participating in the YOE Internship Programme will have the opportunity to guide and evaluate talents for 6 (six) months before considering them for recruitment.

They will also be able to cost efficiently build a pipeline of entry-level talent, reduce the size and scope of their orientation programmes and improve the performance of their organizations by infusing fresh academic knowledge, digitization and innovation into their systems.

The YOE Internship Programme is a paid six-month programme that offers Nigerian youth the perfect opportunity to re-invent themselves and “GREENSTART” their careers.

Since its launch in October 2021, EnterpriseNGR has grown its member base with top organizations in the Financial and Professional Services sector including Aluko & Oyebode, Chapel Hill Denham, Coronation Merchant Bank Ltd., FBNQuest Ltd., FMDQ Group, NGX Group, Tengen Family Office, PWC Nigeria, Templars, Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), Access Bank Plc., DLM Capital Ltd., Investment One Financial Services Ltd., Custodian Investment Plc., and Tangerine General Insurance Limited. It has also garnered international attention as an FPS advocacy group in Nigeria and is currently recognized as an observer with the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC).