Unemployment in Nigeria/Entrepreneurship

This is a very big issue in Nigeria and many other countries. A situation where most youth are affected and left without a means of earning. 

Well for those of you who missed out from the radio show on Saturday. Here is what we discussed.

The focus was on unemployment amongst youths in Nigeria and the other was entrepreneurship (challenges faced and recommendations) 

Alongside the show with me was another entrepreneur who goes by the name Mr Femi. He was asked for some reasons why he thinks there is a high level of unemployment in Nigeria. He listed 

1.Lack of Power Supply (Electricity)

2.Lack of skills 

3.Not enough jobs 

4.The Governemnt not providing enough jobs for the people. 

Well in addition to that is;

5. Poor quality of education 

6. Negligence of Agricultural resources 

7. Corruption 

We can all agree that these are some of the causes of unemployment in Nigeria. 

According to Information Nigeria, 80% of Nigerian Youths were unemployed as at June 2014. 

New research by Vanguard shows that the unemployment rate in Nigeria by January 2015 is as high as 50%. 

Back to the gist, the other invited speaker with me on the radio show was not very happy with the Governemnt. He had a lot to say about the government and how poorly it tackled the issue of unemployment in Nigeria. 

Not disagreeing with him but how long can we blame the Governemnt?

I believe there are things we can do on our own to help ourselves. 

This is where Entrepreneurship comes in.

"Entrepreneurship is process of designing a new business". Besides being able to start up a new business we all know there are challenges faced in managing it. 

Although unemployment remains an issue, we find some youths branching out into becoming entrepreneurs. This would have to be based on area of interest. 

So on the matter of blaming the government about not been able to provide enough jobs, I would advice youths to critically get involved in skills aqusition programmes. 

We find that we lack one skill or the other when we seek for jobs. However it is significant to get yourself trained in various areas. 

If you love hair-dressing, go to a nearby saloon and start as an intern, perfect your skills and then you can decide to start up on your own or be retained as a full staff. 

I would also like to use this medium to encourage not just the Governemnt but also other multi million naira companies out there to start up programmes for the youths. These programmes once completed can lead into gaining full time jobs in the organisation. With these programmes in place, the youths are taught and trained in areas that are useful for the future roles to be occupied. Once this has been put in place, proposals can then be put forward to the Governemnt for sponsorship etc. 

If unemployment continues to rise what are the hopes of we NYSC CORPERS? After service then what? 

As for Entrepreneurs on the other hand, I would say welldone. Although you maybe faced with an issue or the other causing a decline in business. Not to worry, believe in your brand and remain consistent. 

For those who want to become entrepreneurs, well the choice is in your hands. Come up with a brilliant idea you know would sell. For example It's like planning for a wedding, you know how many guests you expecting, the location, the food to be served etc. Draw out your plan on a paper... Evaluate the necessary details. If possible have a close friend or family go over it again with you. 

Rome wasn't built in a day people. If the government ain't helping you, help yourself. 

Please participate in the discussion.

Should we continue to wait for the government?