PIND Partners with Bayelsa to Boost Youth Employment

The Partnership for Inclusive Development (PIND) has formalized a strategic partnership with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Youth Development to enhance youth employment opportunities through the Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) program. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Yenagoa, with the goal of aligning skill development with industry needs.

Mr. Sam Ogbemi Daibo, PIND's Executive Director, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between skill acquisition and employment outcomes.

The program adopts a market-led approach, combining technical skill training with private sector engagement across the Niger Delta. It has already supported 14,000 youths in sectors such as agriculture, ICT, construction, and renewable energy.

The initiative will prioritize sectors identified through labor market assessments, including agriculture, ICT, construction, marine blue economy, automotive, and oil and gas. Hon.

Alfr Kemepado Nimizigha, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth Development, noted that the partnership is expected to train approximately 650 youths in the first year and reach 2,000 within two years, reinforcing the role of public-private collaboration in tackling youth unemployment.