The Edo State Government, in collaboration with international partners, has taken a bold step towards youth empowerment and economic development by establishing a rural job center at the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen.
This initiative, led by EdoJobs in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation Skills Development and Youth Empowerment (GIZ SKYE) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), aims to extend empowerment and employment programs to rural communities in the state.
At the inauguration ceremony, Violet Obrokoro, Managing Director of Edo Jobs, expressed the significance of the job center as a one-stop-shop for youth employment. The center will serve as a catalyst for economic activities, enabling rapid development and creating opportunities for young people in rural areas.
“Today is very important because our able Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the GIZ SKYE team, the SDC and our other partners are giving hope, empowerment, self-reliance and a better sense of self-worth to our youths; ensuring a good future for them, curbing illegal migration and giving them opportunity to work or become self employed
“This vision led to the establishment of EdoJobs. It was set up to provide the supply of and attract the demand for highly-talented youths in the state. The job matching unit was set up as a means to fulfill this vision by providing the right jobs and employers with the right talents, as well as other services such as career counseling, CV writing skills and review of CV, and other employability skills, including training on work ethics and how to succeed in interviews.” She said.
Obrokoro emphasized the positive impact of this initiative, stating that it provides hope, empowerment, self-reliance, and a sense of self-worth to the youth. It also helps address issues such as human trafficking, irregular migration, and high unemployment rates in Edo State.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe, who was represented by Prof. Falodun, said, “The job center is situated at the Edo State Polytechnic due to its strategic location as a hub for education, agriculture, and industrial development in the state. The decision to establish job centers across the three senatorial districts of Edo State reflects the government’s commitment to empower and support young people in becoming gainfully employed and self-reliant.”
The ceremony saw the presence of esteemed guests, including representatives from GIZ SKYE, the Vice Chancellor of Igbenedion University, community leaders, and other dignitaries who commended the government’s efforts in promoting youth empowerment and fostering economic growth in the state.
