The Enugu Career Fair has set a new benchmark for inclusive employment and youth empowerment in Nigeria, giving special attention to job seekers with disabilities while offering direct job placements, skills training, and business exposure.
Held in the Coal City, the event attracted thousands of young participants, including persons with disabilities, and was organised by Jobberman Nigeria in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation. The fair aimed to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers while equipping attendees with practical tools to advance their careers.
Visually impaired entrepreneur and advocate, Ms. Ifeanyi Ukwueze, encouraged participants to approach disability not as a limitation but as a challenge that can be overcome with resilience. Ms. Nnedi Ibeke, another participant, praised the event for its inclusive design, saying she felt genuinely recognised and valued.
Mr. Innih Ikhide, Head of Youth Engagement & Learning at Jobberman Nigeria, noted that Enugu has one of the largest youth populations in the country. "Talent is everywhere," he said, adding that the fair was created to connect young Nigerians with real opportunities and the skills needed to succeed.
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Delivering the keynote, Mr. Francis Uka of 100.3 Udoka FM and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) urged youths to combine technical skills with adaptability, communication, and entrepreneurial thinking in a digital-first world.
Government support was also evident. Mr. Chuks Umunna, Enugu State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, highlighted the ministry's ongoing support for inclusive employment and encouraged youths to register at state job centres.
A standout feature of the fair was the job-matching session, where job seekers engaged directly with employers—many receiving job offers on the spot. The event also featured a trade exhibition for young entrepreneurs who had completed Jobberman's Entrepreneurship and Small Business Course, giving them the chance to showcase their products and expand their network.
For attendees like Davison Tor, who secured a job at the fair, the experience was transformational. "This gave me my first real chance to connect directly with employers. I walked away with a job offer—it changed everything," he said. The Enugu Career Fair is being hailed as a model for youth empowerment and inclusive job creation across Nigeria.
