Nigeria – Youth Employability Booster Project Celebrates Maiden Graduations

11 February 2026

(ANS – Abuja) – The Youth Employability Booster Project (YEBP) marked a historic milestone with the successful celebration of its maiden graduation ceremonies across three key Salesian hubs in Nigeria: Abuja, Lagos, and Obosi. Supported by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented in collaboration with Young Africa Nigeria, the project continues to equip Nigerian youth with market‑relevant skills designed to meet the demands of today’s workforce.

Abuja: A Meaningful Step Forward

The week of celebrations commenced on 4 February 2026 at the Abuja Centre in Kubwa, where the first cohort of beneficiaries celebrated their completion. The ceremony was described as a moment of reflection and inspiration, as organisers commended the graduands for their consistency, resilience, and determination.

Speakers emphasised that graduation marks not an end, but a significant step forward in the professional journeys of the young participants. Representatives of partner organisations reaffirmed their shared commitment to empowering Nigerian youth with future‑proof skills.

Lagos: Bridging Classroom and Corporate World

On 6 February 2026, the Lagos Centre at Iju hosted its graduation ceremony, featuring high‑level industry engagement designed to bridge the transition from training to employment.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr Mayowa Adanlawo, Business Development Manager at Wema Bank, charged the graduands to embrace financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business growth as critical tools for long term success.

Providing further industry insight, Mrs Theresa Amaechi, Head of People, Culture, and Transformation at Workforce Group, shared practical perspectives on workplace culture, adaptability, and professional excellence.

The presence of representatives from the Mastercard Foundation and Young Africa Nigeria underscored the strength of the partnership driving the initiative.

Obosi: Mobile Training Transforming Communities

In Ibolo Obosi, the Young Africa International/Don Bosco Initiatives Mobile Training Cohort 1 celebrated the graduation of 114 participants who completed intensive vocational training across diverse skill areas.

Fully sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation, the mobile training model was widely praised for its transformative impact. By bringing high‑quality vocational education directly into local communities, the initiative has made skills training more accessible, practical, and life‑changing for young people.

A Milestone for Youth Empowerment

Across the three centres, the maiden graduations represent more than ceremonial achievements; they signify a strategic investment in Nigeria’s youth. Through strong partnerships and a shared vision, the Youth Employability Booster Project continues to foster economic inclusion, resilience, and dignity among young Nigerians.

The celebrations stand as a testament to the growing impact of collaborative efforts aimed at preparing young people not only for employment, but for meaningful participation in the future of work.

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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