In a bold step toward addressing youth unemployment and transforming Nigeria’s demographic strength into a productive asset, Premium Times, in partnership with major private and public sector players, launched its first-ever Employability Summit on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Anchorage, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Themed “Converting Nigeria’s Demography into Assets,” the summit brought together industry leaders, government officials, youth advocates, entrepreneurs, and educators for a powerful dialogue on the future of work in Nigeria.
Why This Summit Matters
With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under 30, the nation faces both a massive challenge and a golden opportunity. The question is no longer if Nigeria has talent—it’s whether the country can equip, empower, and engage that talent in meaningful ways.
The summit served as a platform to:
Discuss employability and skills development
Showcase successful youth empowerment models
Foster partnerships across sectors
Share policy insights and actionable strategies
Key Highlights from the Event
Welcoming Remarks
Blessing Emmanuel-Macaulay, the summit convener, opened the day by emphasizing the role of digital innovation and entrepreneurship in unlocking opportunities for young Nigerians. Her message was clear: the time for action is now.
Keynote Address: “Talent Isn’t the Problem”
Niyi Yusuf, chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), challenged all stakeholders to stop pointing fingers and start working together. He emphasized the need for strong government-industry-academia collaboration to build practical training pathways and boost workforce readiness.
“Our young people are not lazy—they are hungry for opportunities. They just need support, mentorship, and access to the right platforms,” he said.
Panel Discussions & Fireside Chats
Several engaging sessions unpacked topics like
Skill-building and vocational training
Mentorship and entrepreneurship
Youth-driven innovation
Bridging the academic-industry gap
Family business succession and leadership
Speakers shared stories of transformation, including one where a young man rose from being a coffee boy to becoming a company manager—highlighting the power of mentorship and intentional growth strategies.
Government & Private Sector Support
The Lagos State Government, represented by Shitta Oluwagbemilola from the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, revealed that over 16,000 internship applications have been received under the state’s internship program.
In addition, Ziad Maalouf, Managing Director of 7-Up Bottling Company, shared how corporate mentorship and structured internships can accelerate youth inclusion in the formal workforce.
What the Numbers Say
While official reports suggest that unemployment in Nigeria is reducing, many analysts argue that underemployment and job quality remain a concern. The summit called for more accurate labor data, practical upskilling, and long-term economic planning tailored to the youth population.
The Road Ahead
The Premium Times Employability Summit wasn’t just another talk show—it was a call to action. Key takeaways include:
Building a structured mentorship ecosystem
Increasing access to practical and vocational education
Encouraging public-private partnerships to fund skills training
Creating follow-up platforms to track youth success stories
Hosting regional editions of the summit across Nigeria
Conclusion
The energy at the summit was electric, the insights were powerful, and the vision was clear: Nigeria’s youth are not a burden—they are the solution. What they need is opportunity, structure, and belief.
By hosting this summit, Premium Times and its partners have not only started a conversation—they’ve ignited a movement. The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth, and with platforms like this, that future looks promising.
