Kano, Nigeria — In a momentous stride toward dismantling decades of systemic exclusion, the ancient city of Kano has made history by hosting its first-ever Inclusive Career Fair, an audacious and impactful initiative led by Blakskill in partnership with global inclusion advocate, Sightsavers.
Fresh off the heels of the landmark Blakskill x Sightsavers Inclusive Career Fair in Lagos—the first of its kind in Nigeria—Kano has now joined the ranks of cities reimagining what inclusive employment truly means. But this wasn’t just another event; it was a powerful national awakening—a transformative step in correcting employment inequities and restoring dignity for persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the country.
A Gathering of Change-Makers
Held just last week, the Kano edition of the Inclusive Career Fair became a vibrant confluence of inclusive employers, job seekers with disabilities, government officials, recruitment experts, vocational training bodies, and members of the media. From the first hour of registration to the final panel discussion, the energy was electric. Dozens of on-site job interviews took place. Real employment opportunities were secured. Strategic commitments were made.
Attendees described the event as more than just a career fair—it was a movement.
“This is Not About Charity—It’s About Productivity”
In a stirring keynote address, Michael Alasa, CEO of Blakskill, laid down what many have hailed as a “manifesto for inclusive nation-building.” His words echoed through the hall and resonated with stakeholders across the nation.
“This isn’t about charity, it’s about productivity,” Alasa declared. “And more than anything, it is about reimagining our economy to leave no one behind.” He emphasized that far too many capable Nigerians with disabilities remain unemployed not due to a lack of skills, but because of a system that has refused to evolve.
His message was clear: inclusion must become the standard, not the exception.
A Strategic Push into Northern Nigeria
The decision to host the career fair in Kano was anything but random. Northern Nigeria, rich in culture, commerce, and tradition, has long been left on the fringes of progressive employment reform. Bringing the fair to this region was a bold statement: No talent should be left behind. No region should be ignored.
Through this initiative, Blakskill and Sightsavers have demonstrated that disability inclusion must be geographically equitable. Their efforts are closing the gaps not just between people and jobs, but between regions and opportunity.
Sightsavers: A Legacy of Inclusion
Sightsavers, a strategic partner in the initiative, has been a trailblazer in advancing disability rights in Nigeria for over 70 years. From health and education to employment, their focus has consistently been on breaking both visible and invisible barriers for persons with disabilities.
Their collaboration with Blakskill speaks volumes about what’s possible when community-driven action meets employer-led innovation. Together, they are modeling a new standard for sustainable, rights-based employment solutions.
A Multi-Stakeholder Call to Action
But the fair was more than a showcase of opportunities—it was a rallying cry for collective responsibility.
Alasa called on the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Senate Committee on PWD Inclusive Employment, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities to rise to the challenge.
“This is a multi-stakeholder battle,” he said. “It’s time to embed inclusive employment into national development structures and policies. We must move from pilot projects to full-scale national implementation.”
Beyond Tokenism: Impact Over Impressions
Unlike conventional recruitment platforms that prioritize volume and metrics, Blakskill is rewriting the playbook. Their approach centers on impact, sustainability, and meaningful connection—particularly for historically excluded groups.
“Where others offer access to jobs, we build bridges between overlooked talents and purpose-driven employers,” Alasa stated. “We’re not chasing the largest database. We’re building the deepest impact.”
This ethos is especially critical in the disability inclusion space where efforts often fizzle out as symbolic campaigns. In contrast, the Blakskill-Sightsavers collaboration is a case study in what sustained, measurable, and scalable inclusion looks like.
Employers Rewriting Their Own Narratives
One of the most profound takeaways from the fair was the shift in employer mindsets. Dozens of inclusive employers not only shared success stories but learned firsthand the value of retaining and nurturing PWD talent.
“I thought it would be difficult,” one employer admitted. “But today I realized the real barrier was in my own perception. So many companies are missing out on top-tier talent simply because they haven’t reimagined what access looks like.”
That moment of realization is exactly what the fair was designed to ignite.
The Road Ahead: Building an Inclusive Talent Pipeline by 2030
The event also served as the launchpad for Blakskill’s ambitious Inclusive Talent Pipeline Initiative (ITPI), a nationwide program designed to revolutionize employment pathways for PWDs.
The initiative will:
- Identify, verify, and skill-up job seekers with disabilities;
- Provide employer readiness training and inclusive hiring toolkits;
- Facilitate job matching and post-placement support;
- Collaborate with government and private-sector actors to push for legislative reforms.
The mission is crystal clear: By 2030, every qualified person with a disability in Nigeria should have access to dignified, sustainable employment.
Toward a Truly Inclusive Nigeria
Blakskill and Sightsavers have sparked a fire, but to sustain it, Nigeria must act.
The private sector must commit to inclusive hiring. The public sector must create and enforce enabling policies. The media must amplify these stories of brilliance, resilience, and transformation. And citizens must advocate for a future where productivity—not disability—is the foundation for opportunity.
“This is not just a career fair,” Alasa concluded. “It’s a declaration of the Nigeria we want to build—one where everyone equipped and qualified has a seat at the table of opportunity.”
About Blakskill
Blakskill is Africa’s workforce enablement partner, offering verified recruitment, talent development solutions, and inclusive hiring services across industries. Through strategic partnerships and employer-driven interventions, Blakskill is unlocking the full potential of Africa’s workforce and challenging conventional recruitment norms.
About Sightsavers
Sightsavers is a global development organization dedicated to eliminating avoidable blindness and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. Operating in over 30 countries—and for more than seven decades in Nigeria—Sightsavers continues to be a leading voice in the inclusion movement, empowering communities and transforming lives.
