The Kaduna State Government has reiterated its commitment to reducing youth unemployment and enhancing human capital development through strategic partnerships and skills-based initiatives.
Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai, made this known at the 2025 Jobberman Kaduna Career Fair held on Saturday in Kaduna.
Themed “Meet, Connect, Get Hired”, the event attracted over 1,000 job seekers and more than 100 employers offering immediate and future employment opportunities. This marks the second edition of the fair, following its 2023 debut which drew 1,496 participants and resulted in over 300 job placements.
Fakai described the event as a critical platform linking young talent with employers, enabling ambitions to translate into meaningful employment.
“This is more than just a career fair; it’s a demonstration of our dedication to fostering innovation, growth, and prosperity within our state,” she said.
She stressed the need for a holistic and collaborative approach to addressing youth unemployment, urging stakeholders—including employers, training institutions, and career placement organisations—to support integrated employment strategies.
The commissioner praised Governor Uba Sani for efforts to transform Kaduna into a national hub for skills development, citing the construction of three world-class Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities across the state’s senatorial zones.
“These centres will equip our youth with the skills needed for today’s workforce and align with the Governor’s SUSTAIN agenda for human capital development,” she added.
Fakai encouraged employers to invest in young talent and back initiatives that promote innovation and entrepreneurship. She also commended Jobberman Nigeria and the Mastercard Foundation for their continued support, which she said helps bridge Nigeria’s employment gap through job matching, mentoring, and skills acquisition platforms.
“To our young job seekers, this is your moment to demonstrate your abilities and take steps towards securing your future. Your success contributes to Kaduna’s growth,” she said.
The 2025 Career Fair featured one-on-one interviews, panel discussions, mentorship sessions, and the unveiling of new job centres to provide ongoing career support. The event also highlighted efforts to boost female participation in the workforce, in line with the State Government’s gender inclusion policy.
The Kaduna Career Fair is jointly organised by the State Government, Jobberman Nigeria, and the Mastercard Foundation, and continues to position the state as a leader in youth empowerment and economic transformation.
