President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday revealed that 26,000 jobs have been created from the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWin).
Speaking at the third edition of the programme, Jonathan described the ongoing job creation exercise as a continuation of his earlier promise to generate 80,000 jobs from the project, which is itself borne out of his administration’s desire to vigorously confront the growing unemployment rate among the country’s vibrant youth population.
“When we came into office in 2011, youth unemployment in the country stood at a staggering 35 per cent. We considered this unacceptable, and in response, we launched a number of initiatives, which included YouWiN!, to help create jobs for our citizens”, he said.
“The YouWiN programme is unique in the sense that it depends on Nigerian youths to create jobs for Nigerian youths. The programme supports enterprising young men and women to establish and grow businesses that enable them employ their peers and others. I promised that this programme will create at least 80,000 jobs.
“I am happy to report that so far, over 26,000 direct jobs have been created across our six geopolitical zones in various sectors of the economy. This includes 22,000 from YouWiN 1 and nearly 5,000 from YouWiN 2 (YouWiN Women), which commenced disbursement just in September.
He reiterated is strong belief in the youths of the country, noting that they are not only vibrant but intelligent, resilient and hardworking such that when provided the right environment, tools and opportunities, they will transform the economic future of our great country.
“In its short run, there have been so many winning stories from the YouWiN programme. The success rate in implementation and in operation is commendable. The exhibition by a few of the awardees, which I have just reviewed, confirms that our youths are indeed, industrious and highly talented”, he added.
“With targeted support, the products and services on display here will compete with the best in the world. They will not only serve our domestic needs, they are potentially export revenue earners for this country.
“I am exceedingly pleased to learn that some of our youths who received only training and capacity building support, without financial grants, have proven their entrepreneurial skills by starting their own businesses and employing other youths. These commendable efforts challenge us to do more for our youths in the areas of entrepreneurship and job creation”.
Jonathan expressed happiness that the programme retains its significance as a uniting platform for beneficiaries from all across the country, saying the synergy formed, the relationship forged and the networking opportunities created will last well into the future, to the benefit of the nation.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the YouWiN! Programme demonstrates this administration’s commitment to reward, merit and performance. YouWiN! Grant recipients can confirm that they received the award without ‘knowing’ anybody. There is no ‘godfatherism’ in this programme. Nigeria is the godfather to every one of us.
“By the end of this third cycle, YouWiN! would have provided entrepreneurship opportunities for 3,600 enterprising youth and created jobs for tens of thousands. The experience and lessons of YouWiN! can now serve as a template for similar entrepreneurship and job creation programmes around the country.
“Our commitment is to build on the impressive progress we have made. We all agree that many more of our youths need our help and support. YouWiN is a productive and result-driven programme through which concrete outcomes are being achieved”.
He urged all well-meaning Nigerians, state governments, local governments, corporate entities, civil society and the country’s international partners to join hands in building on the gains of this programme. He also thanked all members of the YouWiN! Implementation Team for discharging your roles with a sense of mission, purpose, commitment and patriotism.
He declared open the third edition of the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN) Programme, and implored all young Nigerians within the age range of 18 – 45 years to apply.
