The bustling city of Enugu came alive recently as the Enugu Career Fair, hosted by Jobberman Nigeria in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, successfully brought together hundreds of young jobseekers and top employers in a transformative event that went beyond just networking—it delivered life-changing opportunities on the spot.
The fair, which was designed to equip Nigerian youths with practical insights, training, and direct employment opportunities, also stood out for demonstrating inclusive hiring practices that gave equal chances to persons with disabilities. For many, the event was not just another career gathering—it was a turning point.
One of the most inspiring success stories was that of Agatha, a visually impaired young woman, who left the fair not only with renewed confidence but also with an employment offer. Initially, she faced skepticism from some quarters, but when her resume was reviewed, her potential shone through. Against all odds, Agatha secured a job at the event, proving that with the right opportunities, disability is never a barrier to success. Her story became the heartbeat of the fair, symbolizing the inclusiveness and impact the event set out to achieve.
In his welcome address, Innih Ikhide, Head of Youth Engagement and Learning at Jobberman Nigeria, highlighted the organisation’s unwavering commitment to empowering Nigerian youths with skills and access to dignified work.
“At Jobberman, we believe that there’s talent everywhere. Enugu, with its high youth population and vibrancy, represents that promise. The Enugu Career Fair, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has provided a platform where young people can access opportunities that dignify work and prepare them for the future,” he said.
The keynote address was delivered by Francis Uka, General Manager of 100.3 Udoka FM and Chairman, CIPM Enugu Chapter, who spoke on the theme: “Advancing Your Career Path: Connecting Skills to Opportunity.” Uka urged young professionals to look beyond technical know-how and focus on building soft skills, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking in order to thrive in today’s competitive labour market.
“We live in a digital world, and one of the things young jobseekers must do is leverage the Internet, technology, and artificial intelligence. Employers are now looking at digital presence as a reflection of professional value. That means every prospective employee must be intentional about their content on social media,” he advised.
The government’s role in promoting employability was also underscored. Mr. Umunna Chuka, State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for initiatives like the fair, which foster inclusive employment pathways and encourage entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths.
The event was not only about speeches—it was a robust program designed to provide practical takeaways. Participants engaged in panel sessions where experts shared strategies for navigating today’s ever-evolving workforce, emphasizing career resilience, networking, and personal branding. This was followed by an exciting job-matching session, where jobseekers interviewed directly with employers.
For many attendees, the highlight was walking away with on-the-spot employment offers, an outcome that underscored the fair’s tangible value. The atmosphere was charged with hope, excitement, and a renewed sense of purpose as participants realized that opportunities for meaningful employment are within reach when the right platforms are created.
The Enugu Career Fair has thus proven to be more than an event—it is a movement of empowerment, inclusion, and transformation, especially for Nigerian youths who are eager to connect their skills to real opportunities. With its ripple effect of success stories like Agatha’s, the fair serves as a beacon of what is possible when organizations, government, and communities work together to invest in the future of young Nigerians.
Follow the The Qualitative Magazine channel on WhatsApp:Â https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VanfIB50wajpjGi3JJ1G
