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Babatunde Declares War on Joblessness — AWS Rolling Out Skill Revolution in Nigeria!
Nigeria is grappling with a worsening unemployment crisis, especially among its youth, whose jobless rate continues to rise sharply. Joel Moses Babatunde, founder of the African Workforce Summit (AWS), outlines how the initiative is equipping young Nigerians with employability skills and enhancing their personal branding to meet 21st-century workforce expectations. Excerpts from an interview with BusinessDay’s Wasiu Alli.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Nigeria’s unemployment crisis, especially among young people, continues to worsen. What unique challenge was the African Workforce Summit (AWS) designed to address—and how does it stand out from other initiatives?
At the heart of our concern is a powerful demographic reality: by 2050, Africa is projected to have the youngest population in the world. This offers a generational opportunity—one that demands urgent, deliberate action if we are to reclaim Africa’s place as a global partner of choice.
We created the African Workforce Summit as a lasting platform to shape that future. Our focus is threefold: upskilling, reskilling, and nurturing personal development. These are the pillars that drive AWS.
What sets our summit apart is its direct connection between talent and real-world opportunities. We invite professionals and business leaders who actually have open roles in their companies. On Day One of the event, they come not just to speak, but to recruit. Some attendees leave the summit with job offers in hand.
Everything we do is aligned with SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, and that’s what differentiates AWS from conventional job fairs in Lagos or anywhere else in Nigeria.
Theme of the Second Edition: “The Fuse”
This year’s theme, “The Fuse,” was intentionally chosen to reflect the energy and convergence the summit represents.
AWS isn’t just about bringing people together; it’s about sparking something new. “The Fuse” captures the summit’s role as both an ignition point and a melting pot—bringing together professionals across diverse fields, from tech and HR to creative industries and consulting. It’s about creating synergy through collaboration and cross-sector dialogue.
Bridging Talent and Opportunity with Practical Tools
One of the core challenges we face isn’t just unemployment—it’s unemployability. Many graduates lack the skills and confidence to meet today’s workforce demands.
That’s why the first day of AWS includes three employability workshops focused on essential, real-world skills—like how to negotiate salaries, how to network effectively, and how to access the “hidden job market,” where many roles are filled through relationships, not job ads.
We also run sessions on LinkedIn optimisation and personal branding, teaching attendees how to present themselves to employers and stand out in a competitive landscape. It’s not just about finding opportunities, but being ready for them.
Oga HR: Shaping a New Narrative Around Work
You’ve cultivated a unique identity as “Oga HR,” blending human resources insight with culture, storytelling, and even food. How has this helped shape how young Nigerians view work?
The name “Oga HR” may be catchy, but it comes with responsibility. It challenges me to lead, create, and inspire through content—whether written or spoken. It also helped me carve out a niche and use my voice to spark change.
In fact, AWS is a direct product of that journey. It was born out of my passion for Africa’s workforce and the need to live up to the platform and expectations that “Oga HR” carries. My goal remains clear: to empower young Africans to become more employable, more confident, and more ready for the future of work.
Latest News
‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.
Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.
“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.
He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”
Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.
He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.
“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.
In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.
Latest News
‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.
Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.
While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.
He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.
The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.
He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.
“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”
The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.
2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.
Latest News
NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.
The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.
Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.
The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.
Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment
Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.
The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.
According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.
The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.
The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.
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